Western North Carolina communities are working hard to recover from Hurricane Helene, and many towns are now ready to welcome visitors again. Despite significant storm damage in some areas, local businesses in Blowing Rock, Bryson City, Cashiers, Cherokee, Highlands, Sylva and others have reopened their doors, eager to resume operations and host travelers. You can find all the currently open routes on DriveNC.gov.
Blowing Rock, while under a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., has reopened its major routes. Though Tweetsie Railroad remains closed, visitors can explore wineries, farms, and breathtaking mountain views. Bryson City, largely spared by the storm, offers beautiful fall colors, train excursions, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park access.
Cashiers promotes itself as a “vacation paradise” filled with fall foliage, antique shops, and farmers markets. This weekend, visitors can attend the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival at The Village Green park. Cherokee, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, invites visitors to learn about Native American culture, hike, and view the vibrant fall landscape. Highlands, known for its mountain charm and upscale amenities, has reopened alongside Nantahala National Forest, which boasts stunning fall colors.
In Sylva, visitors can enjoy Pinnacle Park Trail and Jackson County Greenway, along with various dining and shopping options. Other nearby towns, including Boone, Murphy, and West Jefferson, have also reopened and encourage tourists to visit, albeit taking caution on which roads visitors use.
Local leaders emphasize the importance of planning ahead and respecting ongoing recovery efforts. Travelers are advised to stick to main roads and stay informed about current conditions.
