Tourism authorities in regions severely impacted by Hurricane Helene provide advice for autumn vacation planning.
It's a delicate act for authorities, who are considering the economic needs of regions less affected by the storm against the extensive recovery needed in many areas within their jurisdictions.
In Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and other mountainous areas hit by Helene, the storm arrived precisely when the picturesque autumn foliage was about to draw multitudes of tourists.
Several national and state park sites situated along the path remain inaccessible, while some counties and towns are working to restore electricity and communication services.
Western NC restricted, but with exceptions
Asheville and most of the surrounding communities in Western North Carolina are currently off-limits.
A Western North Carolina travel advisory warns motorists to avoid traveling in Western North Carolina due to ongoing challenges and hazards such as river flooding, landslides, slope failures, road closures, and fallen trees. The alert also mentions the widespread power and communication outages, as well as scarcities of water, food, and gasoline.
However, there are a few exceptions, even in North Carolina, which is still recovering from the storm, according to tourism authorities.
The advisory, posted on the Visit North Carolina website, suggests that while most of Western North Carolina should be avoided, certain areas in the far western part of the state are "prepared and welcoming visitors."
These counties include Cherokee (Murphy area), Clay (Hayesville area), Graham (Robbinsville area), Macon (Franklin and Highlands area), and Swain (Bryson City area), according to an update on October 3.
Visitors are advised to contact the locations ahead to confirm their plans and ensure safe routes for travel to these mountainous destinations.
DriveNC.gov provides updated road conditions, while the advisory also includes information about closed state welcome centers and ways to contribute to the recovery effort.
Tourists wonder: Visit or stay away?
Many prospective visitors are weighing the importance of aiding these communities economically with the need for ample room for recovery. This is reflected in numerous comments on social media platforms about whether trips should proceed during the fall season.
On the Visit Highlands NC Facebook page, one potential visitor expressed their concern, saying, "We just want to do what is best for the Highlands community, and appreciate your candid thoughts."
A local boutique replied, "We welcome you with open arms!"
Another local Facebook user shared their perspective, hinting at a mix of feelings amongst the locals. "It depends on your specific plans," the user noted, adding that supporting downtown shops and restaurants would be acceptable, but driving around extensively could be hazardous and disruptive to both utility workers and some locals battling the storm's aftermath.
Highlands escaped many of Helene's more severe effects, with most businesses in the town open as of a Thursday afternoon update.
Affected states in the path of Helene
In Tennessee, the state's Department of Tourist Development has announced that "much of Tennessee is open for business," excluding the popular tourist towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, which are not yet fully accessible.
An advisory from the department encourages travelers to proceed with caution and contact locations before their arrival.
Parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open, but outdoor activities are discouraged due to limited staff and safety concerns, leading to several road closures in the park.
The National Park Service has urged visitors to reschedule their trips due to their own safety, while in Sevier County, destinations are open to those reaching it through safe routes.
As of the Thursday afternoon update, Georgia and South Carolina's websites do not offer specific guidance for travel within the states, while Florida's tourism page provides information on attractions, state park closures, and travel resources.
Virginia tourism officials have alerted travelers to be cautious when traveling in impacted regions of Southwest Virginia.
"While travel in some Southwest Virginia destinations is challenging at this time, some counties and cities in the region are open and ready to welcome visitors," Virginia Tourism Corporation states on its website, emphasizing resident and visitor safety as a top priority.
Travelers are advised to confirm their plans to ensure destinations are able to accommodate their visit, and select state park closures and recovery efforts are also mentioned.
The travel advisory for Western North Carolina has highlighted a few exceptions where visitors are welcome, including Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon, and Swain counties. Tourists are advised to contact these locations ahead for safe travel plans.
Due to the storm's aftermath, many tourists are debating whether to visit or stay away from the affected areas, reflecting their concern for both the communities' economic recovery and safety.
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