America’s most visited national park says don’t visit after Hurricane Helen left a trail of damage

Park rangers at Great Smoky Mountain National Park – America’s most visited national park – are asking people to postpone any trips there after Hurricane Helene caused damage to the park.

The national park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, saw impacts including flooding, downed trees, damaged power lines and dangerous trail conditions, according to the NPS.

Such impacts have led to road closures throughout the park and surrounding areas.

“Although some portions of the national park are open, outdoor recreation is currently discouraged due to park staffing shortages and visitor safety concerns,” the NPS said.

He also noted that nearby communities were also affected by Helen, causing shortages of gas, food, water, and other resources.

According to NPS, this has caused the following areas in the park to be closed:

• Balsam Mountain area, campgrounds and roads.
• Big Creek area, campgrounds and roads.
• Cataloochee Valley area, campgrounds, 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 Centre.
• Lakeview Drive.
• Newfound Gap Road/Highway 441.
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
• Parson Branch Road (due to Flint Gap Fire impacts).
• Smokemont Campground.

Park officials said, “While we recognize this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their visits for their own safety.”

He noted that, if visitors decide to come to the park, they are asked to entertain responsibly. It includes the following:

• Do not hike or travel in the backcountry, as creek crossings are unpredictable and fallen trees are likely.
• Avoid recreation in the water, know your limits and know that emergency response times may be delayed, as emergency services are in short supply.

Park officials also asked visitors to consider that many park employees were also personally affected by Helen. He noted that employees are dealing with emergencies at home or are unable to get to work due to road closures.