America's most visited national park reopens after Helene leaves trail of damage
Park rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America's most visited national park—say the park has mostly reopened after Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast.
A look at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; America's most visited national park
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is filled with natural wonders, it's no surprise it's America's most visited National Park.
Park rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America's most visited national park—say the park has mostly reopened after Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast.
A portion of US 441 was closed due to damage from the storm but was later reopened on Wednesday, allowing for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.
Stretching across the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the national park saw impacts such as flooding, downed trees, damaged power lines and hazardous trail conditions, according to the NPS.
Such impacts led to road closures across the park and in surrounding areas.
"While parts of the national park are open, outdoor recreation is currently discouraged due to park staffing being stretched and visitor safety concerns," the NPS said after the initial closure.
Flooding at the park.
(NPS / FOX Weather)
They also noted that nearby communities were also impacted by Helene, creating a shortage of gas, food, water and other resources.
This has led to the closure of the following areas in the park, according to the NPS:
- Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads.
- Big Creek area, campground and roads.
- Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284).
- Deep Creek (the creek itself) between Indian Creek Bridge and the park boundary closed to all water activity.
- Deep Creek Campground.
- Foothills Parkway East.
- Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road).
- Kuwohi Visitor Center.
- Lakeview Drive.
- Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441.
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
- Parson Branch Road (due to Flint Gap Fire impacts).
- Smokemont Campground.
"While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety," park officials said they stated at the time of the storm.
Floodwater pours onto road.
(NPS / FOX Weather)
Park officials also asked visitors to consider that several park employees were also personally affected by Helene. They noted that staff were tending to emergencies at home or were unable to drive to work due to road closures.