Asheville Endures Prolonged Blue Ridge Parkway Closures Due to Hurricane Helene Damage

Asheville Faces Extended Blue Ridge Parkway Closures Following Hurricane Helene

Asheville, a charming city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been dealing with significant road closures for over a month now, following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. On September 25, just ahead of the storm, the National Park Service made the proactive decision to close portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mileposts 314-375.6 and 393-455, which essentially means that popular routes around Asheville are currently off-limits.

Safety First: The Priority for Park Officials

The closures were implemented as a preventative measure, with officials stating that they were “closely monitoring” the situation. The National Park Service indicated that the parkway would remain closed until after the storm had passed and staff could safely evaluate and clear any damage. Unfortunately, that moment is still not here, and the park officials are still in the assessment stage, making it impossible to pinpoint when sections of the parkway might reopen.

Naaman Horn, the Public Information Officer for External Affairs for the Blue Ridge Parkway, reported that an extensive amount of work is being done with over 400 personnel from 47 national parks pitching in to help restore safety to the area. He remarked, “We’ve made a lot of good progress,” which is a comforting thought for the local community eagerly anticipating the parkway’s reopening.

Hard Work Underway: Clearing the Path

Efforts thus far have included the clearance of tens of thousands of fallen trees, stabilizing 36 landslides (out of which ten were notable), and the removal of around 100,000 cubic feet of debris from the Asheville area alone. Just a couple of days after a small section in the Blowing Rock area was reopened, Horn expressed his joy, saying, “We love to get people back in the park. It’s cool to see people enjoy the parkway.”

While Horn mentioned that sections of the parkway would be reopening soon, he couldn’t specify which ones just yet. His plea for patience as the restoration work continues is echoed by all park officials who are urging the public to remain off closed areas for safety reasons. It’s important to note that work crews have encountered delays, particularly after an incident where an individual sustained an injury after ignoring closure signs.

Parkway vs. Pisgah National Forest: Understanding the Differences

As the recovery efforts roll on, park rangers have outlined the broader impacts of Hurricane Helene on the nearby Pisgah National Forest. Damage there has similarly involved fallen trees, rock and mudslides, and even downed bridges. The Pisgah National Forest is divided into three segments, with trails in the Pisgah Forest Ranger District near Brevard reopening much quicker than those in the Appalachian and Grandfather Districts. Still, side roads remain closed across the board, and park officials have stressed that everything off the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed while some areas in the northern part are accessible.

Local Attractions and Activities

It’s not all doom and gloom in Asheville and its surrounding areas. Lake Powhatan has recently reopened and is accepting online reservations. However, the National Forest Service has also announced continued closures across other state forests in Western North Carolina, including DuPont, pending further assessments.

As for future visits, rangers advise outdoor enthusiasts that, while mountain trails are currently closed, they are continually working toward reopening. Cyclists, pedestrians, and horseback riders may find some routes available. For the latest updates on closures and conditions, the park’s website is a valuable resource.

Looking Ahead

There’s a collaborative effort in play, as representatives from different agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, lend their support to ensure public safety and effective recovery. For now, while the wait for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s reopening continues, the community is reminded to heed closure signs and stay safe.