After Hurricane Helene battered the Blue Ridge region, Western North Carolina’s parks, trails and towns are open for adventure
By Dave Bodle
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina with a fury. Many of the mountain region’s most popular attractions were damaged. The good news is that most of them are welcoming visitors again. Here’s the view from north to south.
North Carolina’s aptly named High Country features some of the highest elevations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every season is a delight in this mile-high adventure destination. While many sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed, the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct is open, and several popular attractions can be accessed by the parkway. The road’s status is updated regularly at nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
- Grandfather Mountain offers a plethora of activities off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Begin with a stroll on the 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge. There are wildlife habitats to observe plus walking and hiking trails for every level. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Mildred’s Grill are open, and the new Yonni’s Clubhouse arrives this fall. Plan your visit and get tickets online at grandfather.com
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its strollable carriage trails and grand manor, which houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild Craft Shop. Nearby Julian Price Memorial Park offers hiking and paddling with rentals from nearby Price Lake Boat Rentals. Access to scenic Linville Falls remains limited and its visitor center closed.
- Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West theme park, ideal for families. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, it has rides and amusements for all ages. Be certain to catch the three-mile ride on a train pulled by one of two historic steam locomotives. There is always something special going on. tweetsie.com
- Skiing, or snowboarding might be the competition that brought you to the High Country. If not, you will find more than a half-dozen quality ski resorts. Downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowtubing, snowboarding or snowshoeing; you pick your fun. goskinc.com
Asheville and the Foothills Region are well known for Biltmore, Chimney Rock State Park and waterfalls as well as vibrant arts and famous farm-to-table restaurants. Most destinations are eagerly welcoming visitors, and lengthy sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville south have reopened.
- Chimney Rock Park is open seven days a week with reservations and payment. Most trails as well as the elevator to the top of the towering monolith are open. Check the website for the status of the Skyline Trail and businesses in Chimney Rock Village. chimneyrockpark.com
- Waterfalls abound in Brevard and other destinations near Asheville. Popular beauties include Looking Glass Falls, which you can see from a roadside observation deck, Hooker Falls and Catawba Falls. Sliding Rock,
a 60-foot natural waterslide with an eight-foot-deep plunge pool, has lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day; there’s a small fee. Find more information at exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/outdoors/waterfalls
- Biltmore Estate has so much to experience. From Biltmore House and its period furnishings to 8,000 acres of gardens, outdoor activities, outstanding dining and a winery, it holds a wealth of pleasure. biltmore.com
- Parts of Asheville’s River Arts District have reopened for visitors. Even as recovery continues, there are galleries, studios and unique art spaces to explore. riverartsdistrict.com
- Asheville’s diverse culinary scene is open for business. You do not need to be a foodie to appreciate the fare. exploreasheville.com/eat-drink
The far western tip of North Carolina is home to visitor favorites Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the park to Fontana Dam, there’s rafting, cycling, fly fishing and even gem mining.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a few road closures that should not impact a visit. Hiking, camping, scenic drives and wildlife viewing are among the popular activities. Check here before arrival. nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Fontana Dam and its Visitor Center are open. The view over the Smoky Mountain National Park is incredible. The fishing from shore or boat is well worth the visit. Boats, canoes and paddleboards are available. The Appalachian Trail crosses the tallest dam east of the Mississippi River. blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/fontana-dam/
- Nantahala River rafting near Bryson City is a family-friendly adventure on one of the most popular rivers in America. It is a three -hour trip through Class I & II rapids with the final drop a class III. noc.com; wildwaterrafting.com/white-water-rafting
- Gem mining spots are located throughout the North Carolina mountains. If your competition is in the western part of the state, a visit to Sylva and the Rock Ridge Gem Mine and Rock Shop is in order. rockhoundridgegemmine.com
- Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch on US 129 at Deals Gap. A favorite for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, it is certainly exciting in the family car, too. With patches of pavement named Esses, Cattail Straight and the Dips, this is an easygoing drive. tailofthedragon.com
- The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail features some of the best waters in the Smoky Mountains. If it is your first time casting a line, there are guides available to get you equipped, ready and casting. flyfishingtrail.com
Rights holders planning competitions anywhere in North Carolina should not hesitate recommending mountain destinations and attractions to your athletes and families. Stay up to date at visitnc.com/rediscover
