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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina is making efforts to welcome tourists back to its scenic towns. The hurricane, which hit at the end of September, caused significant flooding and damage across the region. As a result, major attractions like Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed as they undergo recovery operations.
Scott Peacock from Visit NC emphasized that some areas were spared from the storm's impact. "The far southern and western counties, especially those in and near the Smoky Mountains, were largely unaffected by the storm," he said. To help tourists plan their visits, Visit NC has launched an online resource called NC Southern Mountains Travel.
Several towns are open for visitors. Highlands offers outdoor activities and hosts the annual Highlands Food & Wine festival, with proceeds aiding local recovery efforts. Sylva and Dillsboro boast fall colors and cultural events like the WNC Pottery Festival. Cherokee provides cultural experiences at its museum and arts center.
