Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, suffered substantial damage during Hurricane Helene, specifically on the North Carolina side.
According to a new report from the National Park Service, the Cataloochee Valley saw the most significant damage from the hurricane in addition to Balsam Mountain and Big Creek. All three areas will remain closed until further notice as staff assess and address damage and safety concerns.
“Upper Cataloochee Valley Road saw the worst damage and is not drivable. Various levels of erosion and flooding impacted all trails in Cataloochee Valley and nearly all footlog bridges in the area were washed away during the storm. Cataloochee Valley also experienced fallen trees, flooding at campsites and damaged power lines. There were impacts to historic buildings, particularly the Caldwell Barn, which park staff are currently working to stabilize.” – National Park Service
A majority of trails on the Tennessee side of the park remain open but several trails on North Carolina side are closed while staff seeks the western edge of damage in the backcountry. Big Creek Trail saw significant including the loss of a 70-foot steel bridge, while a landslide on Gunter Fork Trail took out 100 feet of trail.
Most roads in the park remain open except Foothills Parkway East, Lakeview Drive, roads in Cataloochee Valley, roads in Balsam Mountain area, and Parsons Branch Road. Those hoping to visit the park are encouraged to check the park website /or talk to staff in the visitor centers or the backcountry office about current trail conditions and to check the park map for road conditions.
“All park visitor centers and most park facilities are open. All Tennessee park campgrounds are currently open. North Carolina campgrounds are currently closed, and park staff continue to assess for when they can be safely opened.” – National Park Service