Hurricane Helene: Travel Impact and Updates for Southwest Virginia

07 Oct Hurricane Helene: Travel Impact and Updates for Southwest Virginia

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Hurricane Helene

Travel Impact and Updates for SWVA

 

MESSAGE FROM FRIENDS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities in Southwest Virginia and our neighboring states that have been affected by Hurricane Helene. Although the storm has passed, its repercussions will linger in some areas for weeks, months, and years ahead.

The safety of both residents and visitors is our highest priority. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation are closely monitoring conditions and coordinating response efforts.

If you’re planning to visit or travel through Southwest Virginia in the coming weeks, please be aware that certain areas may still be without power, and you might encounter closed roads or storm debris along your journey. We encourage you to take extra precautions and allow for additional travel time during this evolving situation. While some destinations in Southwest Virginia are currently facing challenges, many counties and cities are open and eager to welcome guests.

Before you visit, please verify your travel plans to ensure that your intended destinations and attractions are open for visitors. For real-time updates on road conditions, consider using the 511 Virginia resource from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this together. We look forward to welcoming you to Southwest Virginia soon!

VISITOR ASSISTANCE

Visitors to Southwest Virginia are encouraged to call 276-492- 2400 if traveling planning assistance is needed.  The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center is open Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Visitors traveling throughout Virginia are encouraged to call Virginia Tourism’s Welcome Centers to plan alternative routes.

  • Virginia Welcome Center at Bristol (TN/VA State line) – 276-466-2932
  • Virginia Welcome Center at Lambsburg (VA/NC State line)- 276-755-3931
  • Virginia Welcome Center at Rocky Gap (VA/WVA State line)- 276-928-1873
  • Virginia Welcome Center at Covington (Shenandoah Valley) – 540-559-3010

Please note that the Virginia Welcome Centers are staffed from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL UPDATES

Appalachian Trail
The U.S. Forest Service lands along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia remain closed. However, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service now permit hiking on the A.T. between VA 42 in Bland County and Black Horse Gap (NOBO miles 558.6 to 744.2). Please note that the Blue Ridge Parkway and its surrounding lands in this section are closed.  Hikers in this area should be aware of limited emergency services, restricted road access, and potential storm damage along the route. Vehicle access at Black Horse Gap is unavailable. For those venturing into sections of the A.T. that are open, please prepare with extra food and supplies. Be cautious of hazardous conditions such as landslides, downed trees, and flooded river crossings. Road access may be severely limited, and hiker services like shuttles may not be available.  For more information visit: https://appalachiantrail.org/helene-recovery-resources-updates/

Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday, October 11, 2024. The Blue Ridge Parkway is open for business in Virginia. Visitors should take note of the following:

The Blue Ridge Parkway will open in phases according to the following schedule:

  • Milepost 1 to milepost 198 soft opening on Thursday, Oct. 10, formal reopening on Friday, Oct. 11.
  • Milepost 198 to milepost 217 at North Carolina state line to reopen the following week – exact date to be announced.
  • National Park Service campgrounds will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until October 14, at which time existing reservations will be honored.
  • Use Virginia 511 for road conditions throughout the state.
  • Visitors should be aware that trail assessments have not been completed in all areas and caution should be exercised when hiking.
  • Visitors may encounter reduced services due to staffing shortages, as many employees are assisting with operations in North Carolina, where the impacts of the storm were far more severe.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway areas previously closed for construction will remain closed.

For more information visit:  https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Claytor Lake
All launch areas on the lake are closed due to excessive debris. Launching kayaks or other small watercraft from shore, as well as swimming and fishing are also not possible due to the debris along the park shoreline. Please note that Claytor Lake State Park is open. For more information visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/closures.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Closures
The USDA Forest Service George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have reopened the Clinch Ranger District, which includes Wise, Scott, Lee, Dickenson (VA), Pike and Letcher (KY) counties.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is open in Wythe and Carroll Counties, as well as in parts of Grayson County east of VA Highway 16 and south of Interstate 81. However, Forest Service roads in Grayson County west of Highway 16 are still being cleared and may be affected by VA DoT road closures.

For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1208933.

Grayson Highlands State Park
PARK OPEN. The park is open, with equestrian trails expected to open by October 15. Due to ongoing road closures on US-58, the only access to the park for the foreseeable future is via Route 600 from Interstate 81 at the Chilhowie Exit 35. Please note that this route includes two long sections with steep grades, which may pose challenges for vehicles towing large campers. For more information visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands.

Hungry Mother State Park
PARK OPEN. The park is currently open for day use, with camping reservations available starting October 9. Royal Oak Campground is closed for the season, but cabins can be booked beginning October 10. For more information visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother.

New River Trail State Park
PARK OPEN. Please note, certain sections of the park are open. For the most accurate trail information, we highly recommend downloading the free Avenza app and accessing the park’s trail guide from the Avenza store. Please avoid closed trail sections for your safety and to prevent disruptions to ongoing work. Campgrounds will remain closed through February 28, 2025. Due to maintenance, the Shot Tower is closed for tours, but the parking lot and restrooms are still available. For more information visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/new-river-trail.

Virginia Creeper Trail
Sections of the Virginia Creeper trail located on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area are closed, this includes Mile Marker 10 (past Alvarado) through Mile Marker 34 (North Carolina/Virginia state line)
However, the Virginia Creeper Trail is open from Abingdon to Alvarado! You can access the trail from the trailhead in Abingdon, Watauga, or Alvarado. Local bike shops also offer shuttle services from Abingdon to Alvarado. For more information visit: https://visitabingdonvirginia.com.

Virginia Department of Transportation
Full list of updates on Road Closures from Hurricane Helene Impact

 

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