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,"

 

Related Stories:

Stories about:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

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.