Next month will mark the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s unforgettable impact across the Smoky Mountains. Recovery continues in the hardest-hit areas, but destinations in the Smokies region are open and enthusiastically welcoming visitors. Roads and trails are open, businesses are bustling, and autumn is arriving in all its richness. This season is vibrant, beautiful and needed—a time to breathe deep, reconnect with nature and celebrate together across The Smokies.
Accessibility & Roads
- Interstates & Main Highways – I-40 near the Tennessee line and I-26 west of Asheville are open with one lane in each direction. Drivers should expect reduced speeds and occasional delays on weekends, but the highways are passable and well-signed. Check DriveNC.gov for up-to-date road conditions.
- Blue Ridge Parkway – The Parkway is recovering well. More than 312 miles of the 469-mile scenic road have reopened. Restored sections include the Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the stretch between Cherokee and Mount Mitchell. A few sections remain under repair, so always check the National Park Service road status page before traveling.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – After months of work clearing hazard trees and re-graveling roads, Cataloochee Valley reopened in early April 2025. Many roads, hiking trails and picnic areas are ready for visitors, though some trails still have downed trees or closed foot bridges. Always check the park’s current conditions page.
A Vibrant Fall and Abundant Adventures
Fall in the Smokies offers one of the longest and most spectacular autumn displays in the world. Thanks to elevations ranging from under 900 feet to over 6,600 feet, leaf color begins in late September at the highest ridges and cascades downward into the valleys through early November. If you miss peak color at one elevation, you can still find it at another. Check out our weekly Fall Foliage updates HERE.
Explore: From Scenic Drives to Festivals
- Scenic Drives – Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Mount Mitchell, the Cherohala Scenic Skyway, or lesser-known byways through our national forests. Guided tours to see elk in Cataloochee Valley offer an uncrowded alternative to Cades Cove.
- Rail & Air Adventures – Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through valleys of fall foliage or zip through the leaves at Highlands Aerial Park/NOC. Tee off at Sequoyah National Golf Club or Sky Valley Country Club, or plan a winter return for snow tubing at Highlands Outpost.
- Lakes & Outdoors – Paddle or fish on Fontana Lake, explore waterfalls, hike reopened trails in the national park or our state forests, and savor sunsets from overlooks like Wayah Bald.
- Culture & Heritage – Celebrate local traditions at festivals such as Punkin Chunkin in Clay County and the John C. Campbell Folk School’s 100-year anniversary. Visit Cherokee cultural sites, centuries-old farms, and craft schools to connect with Appalachian stories.
- Accommodations – Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin or a luxury resort, reservations are plentiful this year. Because many people incorrectly assumed the region was inaccessible, there is availability for almost every budget. Our region begins just west of Asheville, making it easy to explore Biltmore Village or venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park while basing yourself in our mountain towns.
Travel Tips & Resources
- Plan Ahead – Use DriveNC.gov for road conditions, the NPS current conditions page for park updates, and VisitNC’s interactive map for county-specific visitor information.