While recovery from Hurricane Helene continues in the mountain region of North Carolina, most destinations are ready and enthusiastically welcoming visitors. Travelers should be aware some highways remain closed or have restrictions. Of particular note:

  • I-40 has reopened near the Tennessee state line with travel restricted to one lane in each direction and a reduced speed limit of 35 mph. Travelers can expect delays, especially on Friday and Sunday afternoons. 
  • I-26 is open at the Tennessee state line with one lane open in both directions. Restrictions and detours remain in place for through truck traffic and wide loads. 
  • DriveNC.gov provides current road conditions throughout the region including alternate route recommendations for through traffic on I-40 and I-26. 

Resident and visitor safety remains our top priority, and North Carolina’s departments of safety and transportation continually monitor conditions to ensure safe travel.

Use the interactive map below for current status in popular destinations throughout the region. Zooming in on the map and clicking on each county or community provides access to local websites and updates, as also reflected in the listing of mountain and foothill destinations further below. When planning a visit to Western North Carolina, check ahead to confirm the community and businesses you want to visit are open and welcoming visitors, and consult DriveNC.gov to confirm a safe route to your destination. 
 

NC Travel Advisory


Piedmont (central NC) and Coastal (eastern NC) destinations are also ready and welcoming visitors.

Local visitor information on openings, closings and more 

High Country 

Asheville & Foothills

Smoky Mountains & Cherokee

NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

Blue Ridge Parkway: Though many of the most iconic parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are open, several areas remain closed. The National Park Service (NPS) has restored and reopened some sections including access to popular areas such as the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain in the Blowing Rock, Boone and Linville area: the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and Folk Art Center in the Asheville area; and further southwest in the Cherokee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. Please visit the NPS website and social media platforms @BlueRidgeNPS (on Facebook, X and Instagram) for more detail on open and closed sections and facilities including seasonal restrictions due to winter weather. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Check the Park's website for current road, facility, trail and backcountry updates.

North Carolina State Parks: Most state parks in Western North Carolina (west of I-77) are open including Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, Mount Jefferson, New River, Rendezvous Mountain and Stone Mountain, but visitors should check ahead for limitations on facility and trail access. South Mountains State Park is also partially open, but hiking, bike and bridle trails in the park remain mostly closed. Chimney Rock and Mount Mitchell remain closed. Visit the NC State Parks website for additional updates including limitations within the reopened parks. 

Call Center & Welcome Centers

The Visit North Carolina Call Center provides current statewide travel information from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call 1-800-VISITNC (800-847-4862).

Live assistance is also available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from travel counselors at North Carolina's official Welcome Centers at I-26 East, I-26 West, I-40 West, I-77 North, I-77 South, I-85 North, I-85 South, I-95 North and I-95 South. 

How You May Help/Donate

While the NC Disaster Relief Fund is no longer accepting donations directly, monetary donations can be made to the North Carolina Community Foundation in support of Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina at nccommunityfoundation.org/helene. 

The NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, managed by the NCRLA Foundation, is accepting contributions. All funds raised will go directly to support restaurant and hotel employees in Western North Carolina facing significant financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. You may donate directly to the fund or consider establishing fundraising efforts in your business and remitting proceeds directly to the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund. To learn more, please contact Courtney Hamm at chamm@ncrla.org or 919-844-7883.

The North Carolina Arts Foundation is accepting contributions to further their assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. 

Airbnb is partnering with local nonprofits in North Carolina to connect those displaced by the storm with temporary free housing. Find more information on the offering, how to provide free or discounted stays or make a donation to relief efforts here.

Southern Smoke Foundation is also offering emergency assistance to workers in the food and beverage industry in North Carolina who have been affected. Contributions to their efforts can be made here. 

Recovery Resources

Individuals, families and businesses seeking assistance in the aftermath of the storm can find a listing of resources from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina here.