Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking visitors to stay away as the National Park Service warns of hazardous conditions in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“Several park employees in both North Carolina and Tennessee are dealing with emergencies at home or are unable to drive to work due to closed roads,” said the NPS. “Multiple employees are also assisting the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding communities.”
Park staff and resources are limited as a result of the natural disaster and the impacts on their personal lives. The park’s request to stay away comes amid the busy fall foliage season, but with crews stretched thin, visitors might not get help if they end up in a dangerous situation. In fact, emergency services have reportedly responded to several non-storm related incidents in just the last several days.
Multiple key roads and campgrounds were closed, with no reopening dates set, as of Oct. 1. National Park Service staff are assessing the damage to historic structures throughout the park, along with popular trails and roads.
Congaree National Park in South Carolina also suffered damage and power outages from the powerful storm, which produced wind gusts of 60 mph in the park.
“Most trails including the Boardwalk are severely flooded and will likely remain under water for some time after the park reopens,” said Congaree officials on social media. “Once the flood water has receded, park staff will begin repairs to the Boardwalk and other trails.”
