Tourism authorities in US states struck by hurricane Helene have issued safety guidance for visitors considering trips to affected areas, as many state and national parks remain closed. With the fall tourist season in jeopardy, officials have emphasised that some areas are “ready and welcoming visitors”, while other places remain inaccessible and hazardous.
The places to avoid
Out of bounds are the Western North Carolina communities of Asheville and its surroundings, where state and local authorities “strongly advise all motorists avoid travel.” The warning is “due to the continued challenges and risks from riverine flooding, landslides, slope failures, road closures and downed trees.” Power cuts, downed communications infrastructure, and widespread shortages of food, fuel and water are compounding the situation.
Meanwhile, anyone planning an autumnal trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is advised by the National Park Service (NPS) to think again. The park, the USA’s most visited, as well as Sevier County destinations, are open but several roads are closed. “While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety,” the NPS said.
Other park closures are underway in North Carolina and Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Parkway site is off limits, and in Florida 27 state parks, wilderness trails and reserves have been shut to the public while safety assessments take place.
In South Carolina, as authorities deal with “cleanup of trees and debris” and power outages, 23 state parks are closed, of which six are said to have suffered “extensive damage”. Two parks that provide accommodation are on that list. Reservations that have had to be cancelled will be refunded, the official notice promised.
In Georgia, 10 historic sites and state parks are closed, including the Sylvania Welcome Center and Port Wentworth visitor information center. Guests are being offered alternative locations and dates as well as cancellations.
Where is open?
Access to areas of Southwest Virginia “is challenging”, Virginia Tourism Corporation said, but the agency highlighted “some counties and cities in the region are open and ready to welcome visitors.”
The western extremes of North Carolina are also “ready and welcoming visitors”, including the counties of Cherokee (Murphy area), Clay (Hayesville area), Graham (Robbinsville area), Macon (Franklin and Highlands area) and Swain (Bryson City area), a 3 October advisory said. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands added to that an update that admitted “we can consider ourselves fortunate” and pointed out that most commerce and hospitality in the town is unaffected.
“Visitors should call ahead to confirm their plans and ensure safe routes for travel to access these mountain destinations” officials said.
