Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented destruction in the Appalachian region of North Carolina and Virginia; Heavy rains washed away homes and businesses and caused more than 225 deaths nationwide. One of the most famous destinations in the tourism-dependent region is the Blue Ridge Parkway, and recent photos released by the National Park Service show the extent of damage to the iconic highway.
In a Facebook post shared over the weekend, NPS emphasized that the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed in both states. Noting that assessments of the highway are ongoing, the post said the damage was “significant and in some cases catastrophic,” particularly in North Carolina, from mile 280 near the Great Smoky Mountains to mile point 469 at the Virginia State Line.
NPS also released a trio of photos showing worn-out roads, downed trees and potholes in the middle of the road.
According to the park service, a “phased reopening in Virginia” could occur over a period of “days to weeks,” while reopening any stretch in North Carolina would likely take even longer than that as evaluations continue and repairs begin.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park Service area in the country, with an estimated 16.75 million people visiting in 2023. Nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracted an additional 13.29 million visitors. A recent study found that the Blue Ridge Parkway brought nearly $1.4 billion in economic activity to North Carolina and Virginia, and its recovery is predicted to be of great concern to the entire region.