You are here

Parks Struggling To Recover From Helene

Share

By

Compiled from NPS releases

Published Date

September 29, 2024

Tropical Storm Helene has blown away, but units of the National Park System are struggling to recover in her wake. All of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina remained closed Sunday, many roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park were closed, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina was closed due to loss of power and functioning water systems.

Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina also was closed Sunday, according to its social media channels, as were Cowpens National Battlefield in South Carolina, parts of Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, Ninety Six National Historic Site, Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, Fort Frederica National Monument in Georiga, Fort Pulaski Nationalk Monument in Georgia, De Soto National Memorial in Florida, and the Kingsley Plantation at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Florida.

"The full length of the [Blue Ridge] parkway in North Carolina is closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Closures will remain in place until staff can safely assess the park and clear any storm damage," read a notice on the Blue Ridge Parkway's website. 

At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, staff said "Balsam, Cataloochee, Roaring Fork, and Greenbrier areas [are] closed. US 441, Foothills Pkwy East, Rich Mtn Road, Lakeview Drive closed. Visitors encouraged to reschedule trips for their own safety."

In Florida, De Soto National Memorial was hit hard by the storm's surging waters.

"The park suffered 5 to 6 feet of storm surge that flooded the trails, and park buildings," a statement on the park's Facebook page said. "The storm destroyed the majority of park trails and took down several trees. The visitor center had several inches of standing water and is without power. The park does not have any functioning public restrooms and water fountains.

"...De Soto National Memorial's recovery will be extensive,"

 

Stories about:

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.