America’s most visited national park says not to come after Hurricane Helene left a trail of damage

Park rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park – America’s most visited national park – are urging people to postpone all travel there after the park was damaged by Hurricane Helene.

The national park straddled the Tennessee-North Carolina border and experienced impacts such as flooding, downed trees, damaged power lines and dangerous trail conditions, according to the NPS.

Such impacts have resulted in road closures throughout the park and surrounding areas.

“While portions of the national park are open, outdoor recreational activities are discouraged at this time due to overstretched park staff and concerns for visitor safety,” the NPS said.

They also noted that surrounding communities were also affected by Helene, resulting in shortages of gas, food, water and other resources.

According to the NPS, this has resulted in the closure of the following areas in the park:

• Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads.
• Big Creek area, campground and roads.
• Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Highway 284).
• Deep Creek (the creek itself) between the Indian Creek Bridge and the park boundary is closed to all water activities.
• Deep Creek Campground.
• Foothills Parkway East.
• Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road).
• Kuwohi Visitor Center.
• Lakeview Drive.
• Newly discovered 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 postpone their excursions for their own safety,” park officials said.

They noted that should visitors decide to visit the park, they are encouraged to rest responsibly. This is about the following:

• No hiking or backcountry travel as stream crossings are unpredictable and there is a risk of fallen trees.
• Avoid waterfront activities, know your limits and know that response times to emergencies may be delayed as emergency services are overwhelmed.

Park officials also asked visitors to keep in mind that several park employees were also personally affected by Helene. They noted that staff are dealing with emergencies at home or are unable to travel to work due to road closures.