Resident and visitor safety remains our top priority, and North Carolina’s departments of safety and transportation continually monitor conditions to ensure safe travel.

While recovery from Hurricane Helene is ongoing in the mountain region of North Carolina, most highways in Western North Carolina are open with many destinations ready and enthusiastically welcoming visitors for seasonal travel. However, some roads remain closed or have restrictions. Of particular note:

  • I-40 is closed in both directions from Mile Marker 20 (US 276 west of Lake Junaluska) to Mile Marker 0 at the Tennessee state line.
  • I-26 has reopened at the Tennessee state line with one lane open in both directions. Restrictions and detours remain in place for through truck traffic and wide loads. 
  • DriveNC.gov provides current road conditions throughout the region including alternate route recommendations for through traffic on I-40 and I-26. 

Use the interactive map below for current status in popular destinations throughout the region. Zooming in on the map and clicking on each county or community provides access to local websites and updates, as also reflected in the listing of mountain and foothill destinations further below. When planning a visit to Western North Carolina, please check ahead to confirm the community and businesses you want to visit are open and welcoming visitors, and consult DriveNC.gov to confirm a safe route to your destination. 

NC Travel Advisory


Piedmont (central NC) and Coastal (eastern NC) destinations are also ready and welcoming visitors.

Local visitor information on openings, closings and more 

High Country 

Asheville & Foothills

Smoky Mountains & Cherokee

NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

Blue Ridge Parkway: While most of the Parkway in North Carolina remains closed, the National Park Service (NPS) has restored and reopened some sections including access to iconic areas such as the Linn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain and also the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and Folk Art Center. Please visit the NPS website and social media platforms @BlueRidgeNPS (on Facebook, X and Instgram) for more detail on open and closed sections and facilities including seasonal restrictions due to winter weather. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Check the Park's website for current road, facility, trail and backcountry updates.

North Carolina State Parks: While Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell and South Mountains remain closed, ten other state parks in Western North Carolina (west of I-77) have at least partially reopened including Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, Mount Jefferson, New River, Rendezvous Mountain and Stone Mountain State Parks have at least partially reopened. Visit the NC State Parks website for additional updates including any limitations within the reopened parks. 

Call Center & Welcome Centers

The Visit North Carolina Call Center provides current statewide travel information from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call 1-800-VISITNC (800-847-4862).

Live assistance is also available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from travel counselors at North Carolina's official Welcome Centers at I-26 East, I-26 West, I-77 North, I-77 South, I-85 North, I-85 South, I-95 North and I-95 South. The I-40 West Welcome Center is closed.

How You May Help/Donate

While the NC Disaster Relief Fund is no longer accepting donations directly, monetary donations can be made to the North Carolina Community Foundation in support of Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina at nccommunityfoundation.org/helene. 

The NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, managed by the NCRLA Foundation, is accepting contributions. All funds raised will go directly to support restaurant and hotel employees in Western North Carolina facing significant financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. You may donate directly to the fund or consider establishing fundraising efforts in your business and remitting proceeds directly to the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund. To learn more, please contact Courtney Hamm at chamm@ncrla.org or 919-844-7883.

The North Carolina Arts Foundation is accepting contributions to further their assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. 

Airbnb is partnering with local nonprofits in North Carolina to connect those displaced by the storm with temporary free housing. Find more information on the offering, how to provide free or discounted stays or make a donation to relief efforts here.

Southern Smoke Foundation is also offering emergency assistance to workers in the food and beverage industry in North Carolina who have been affected. Contributions to their efforts can be made here. 

Recovery Resources

Individuals, families and businesses seeking assistance in the aftermath of the storm can find a listing of resources from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina here.