CNN
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While the scale of the devastation and loss of life is still visible, tourism officials in states along Helen's destructive path are offering nuanced advice on which parts of their states are accessible to visitors.
It's a balancing act for officials, weighing the economic effects on communities less heavily hit by the storm and the long recovery many in their states now face.
In western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and other mountainous areas in Helen's path, the storm arrived just as the fall foliage season was about to attract crowds of tourists in cities and rural areas.
Many national and state park sites along the path remains closed, while some counties and cities restore power and communications.
Asheville and almost all surrounding communities in Western North Carolina are currently off limits.
“State and local officials strongly advise all motorists to avoid travel to Western North Carolina due to ongoing challenges and risks related to river flooding, landslides, collapses of slopes, road closures and downed trees,” he said. Western North Carolina Travel Advisory he said, adding that power and communications outages as well as shortages of water, food and gasoline are still widespread.
But there are some limited exceptions, even in hard-hit North Carolina, according to tourism officials.
The travel advisory, posted on the Visit North Carolina website, notes that while most of western North Carolina should be avoided, some areas in the far western part of the state are “ready and welcoming to visitors.
These include Cherokee (Murphy area), Clay (Hayesville area), Graham (Robbinsville area), Macon (Franklin and Highlands area) and Swain (Bryson City area) counties, according to an update notice day of October 3.
“Visitors should call ahead to confirm plans and ensure safe routes to these mountain destinations,” the message states.
DriveNC.gov lists current road conditions. The notice also lists information about which shelters in the state are closed and ways to help and donate to the recovery effort.
The balance between sustaining communities economically while allowing space for recovery is not lost on many potential visitors, who have peppered their Facebook posts with questions about whether continuing fall travel would help or would harm.
In a comment on the Visit Highlands NC Facebook page, a potential visitor said, “We just want to do what's best for the Highlands community and appreciate your candid thoughts.” »
A local store's Facebook account responded: “We welcome you with open arms! »
Another local Facebook user offered a detailed response about residents' “mixed” feelings. “So it depends… What are your specific plans?” the poster asked, noting that visiting downtown stores and restaurants would be OK, but driving throughout the area would be dangerous and “annoy utility workers” and some residents dealing with the storm's effects.
Highlands avoided many of the storm's worst effects, and the head of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands said in an online update that “we can consider ourselves lucky.” The majority of businesses, stores and restaurants in the city are open, according to an update Thursday afternoon.
In Tennessee, the state Department of Tourism Development posted an update on its website, noting that “much of Tennessee is open for business.” The post states that the popular tourist towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville were included in this assessment.
“Travel with caution and call before you go,” the message advises.
Parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most visited national park, are open, but outdoor recreation in the park is discouraged due to staff shortages and visitor safety concerns. Several park roads – located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee – are closed, the National Park Service announced Monday.
“While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety,” the NPS said, noting in a Facebook post Monday that Sevier County destinations are “fully open to those who can.” access the county by safe routes.
Another popular NPS site, the Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed along its entire length in North Carolina and Virginia.
Since Thursday afternoon, the travel alerts section of Explore Georgia Website did not offer location-specific guidance for in-state travel.
Discover South Carolina recommendations for travelers notes several visitor center closures due to power outages and state park closures.
Visit the Florida page dedicated to Hélène resources tells visitors attractions, state park closures And Florida 511 travel information pages.
Virginia tourism officials urged caution when traveling to affected areas of southwest Virginia.
“While traveling to some destinations in Southwest Virginia is difficult at this time, some area counties and cities are open and ready to welcome visitors,” Virginia Tourism Corporation published on its website
“The safety of residents and visitors is our top priority, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation are monitoring conditions as response efforts are underway,” VTC said.
Travelers should confirm their plans to ensure destinations are able to receive visitors. The VTC notice also indicated to select state park closuresrelief and recovery efforts and other travel information.
