Great Smoky Mountains National Park details reopening plans. [Video]

The National Park Service said in a social media post it is currently assessing the state of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after it was damaged by Hurricane Helene.

The park’s worst damage is in Balsam Mountain, Big Creek and Catalooche Valley. The Cataloochee Valley was the most impacted by the storm and is closed until further notice as staff responds to the damage.

Erosion and flooding “impacted all trails in Cataloochee Valley and nearly all foot log bridges in the area were washed away during the storm. Cataloochee Valley also experienced fallen trees, flooding at campsites and damaged power lines.”

Several trails on the park’s North Carolina side are closed. North Carolina campgrounds are closed as park staff assesses damages. 

All park visitor centers and most facilities are now open.