Hikers: What is open in Western North Carolina after Helene
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (FOX Carolina) - Some of our favorite hiking spots in Western North Carolina won’t look the same this spring. Hurricane Helene wiped away entire sections of trails.
“We estimate that between 70-80% of our roads and trails have been impacted in some way, shape, or form,” National Forests in North Carolina Grandfather District Ranger, Nick Larson said.
But thanks to thousands of volunteers many trails and roadways have been restored.
“At first you see it, you are like there is no way we are going to fix that and then you see people rebuild bridges and to sit back and see that repair, it’s like wow that is amazing,” Cradle of Forestry Site Manager, Clinton Wickers said.
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THIS LIST WAS LAST UPDATED 4/8/2025
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The National Park Service has restored access to more than 310 miles of parkway. Some sections are still closed. View this map to see what is open: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/maps.htm
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Most of the A.T. is open, but hikers should be cautious. The latest A.T. conditions can be seen here - GA-VA – Hurricane Helene, Updated 3/31/25
And the Iron Mountain Gap Detour information is here - Iron-Mtn-Gap-Detour-Web-1.pdf
HISTORIC SITES
- Cradle of Forestry - Reopened April 5th
- Biltmore Estate - Open
- Carl Sandburg Home - Open with some limited access
- Thomas Wolfe Memorial - Reopened Dec. 10, 2024
NATIONAL FOREST LANDS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
- The Grandfather Ranger District is working with the G5 Trail Collective to provide an up-to-date map of open trails. You can access the map here: https://www.g5trailcollective.org/helene
- Appalachian Trail update: The Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah NF worked with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee to establish a detour around the Iron Mountain Gap area. You can find details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=93688
- Closures: Here are the links to the two closure orders that list out what’s closed on the Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts.
- Appalachian: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1225899.pdf (NOTE: The Stackhouse Boat Launch has reopening ahead of rafting season)
- Grandfather: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1225686.pdf
- Pisgah Ranger District: All trails are open. Many have storm damage and hazards may include washed-out bridges, tripping hazards, landslides, eroded areas, muddy or slick footing, and downed trees.
- For those wishing to check on the status of a particular rec site or trail conditions should reach out to the local ranger district office.
STATE PARKS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery, Caldwell, Watauga counties
- Profile parking area, the only access that State Parks manages, is closed until further notice. Profile Trail, Connector Trail, and Profile backpack campsite are closed.
- Day-use visitors can utilize the Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) or the Boone Fork or Asutsi Trail parking areas along Blue Ridge Parkway to access all the other open trails in the state park.
- All other backpack campsites are open, but campers must use Boone Fork or Asutsi Trail parking areas for access (no overnight access via the attraction).
South Mountains State Park in Burke County
- Clear Creek access (hiking, picnicking) reopened on Monday, March 17. It is a day-use access only that is located in Morganton.
- The main access, Jacob Fork access, will partially reopen in April for hiking and some camping.
Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County
- Rumbling Bald access (hiking and individual rock climbing), located in Lake Lure, is open
- Chimney Rock attraction is closed until further notice. We are working with the N.C. Department of Transportation on providing permanent access across the Rocky Broad River, as our entrance bridge was severely damaged by the storm.
New River State Park in Ashe, Alleghany counties
- U.S. 221 access in Laurel Springs has reopened, with the drive-to campground, visitor center, trails, picnic shelters, and community building.
- Wagoner, Elk Shoals, and all other accesses along the river remain closed.
Mount Mitchell State Park in Yancey County
- Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed, so the entire park is inaccessible and closed until further notice.
- Please reach out the National Park Service for additional information on their closures.
Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery, Mitchell counties
- Yellow Mountain State Natural Area is closed until further notice.
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