Tourism officials from states affected by Hurricane Helene are providing varied travel advice for fall visitors. While other sites remain restricted owing to safety concerns, a few regions welcome visitors with caution. Here’s what you should know before arranging your trip.
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic course, tourism officials in affected areas are carefully balancing public safety and economic recovery. As the popular fall vacation season approaches, regions in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and other states are offering a mix of travel advice to prospective travelers.
Western North Carolina is still mostly off-limits, with officials warning people to avoid the area due to landslides, flooding, and road closures. However, a few counties, including Cherokee, Clay, and Macon, are open and eager to welcome visitors. Visitors are recommended to contact ahead and inquire about safe travel routes.
The economic costs are high because tourism is an important component of many small economies, especially during the fall foliage season. Main tourist destinations such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee, are open for business, but travelers need to be careful and seek clarification before leaving.
Parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain closed due to the stronger warnings that keep people from being outside amid staffing shortages and safety concerns. The Blue Ridge Parkway, that perfect American highway, is closed entirely in both North Carolina and Virginia.
As recovery continues, state tourist boards are reminding visitors to keep informed and make safe decisions on how to help the areas they enjoy visiting.
