As the specter of a Category 4 hurricane looms, Florida’s Gulf Coast is battening down the hatches. But Hurricane Helene’s effects will reach much farther than Florida. National parks up through the region are buttoning up. What national parks are closed because of Hurricane Helene?
With warnings as far north as Georgia, and up to 15” of rain possible in some areas, Helene is turning into one dangerous hurricane. This is NOT a complete list—readers planning RVing anywhere near these areas should check ahead.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Closures for the Blue Ridge Parkway will be from milepost 314 – 375.6 from north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek, and milepost 393 – 455 from NC191/French Broad overlook to the Soco Gap.
Additional closures were just announced this morning. They include Milepost 217 – 314 from the North Carolina state line to Linville Falls. Also Milepost 375 – 393 from Ox Creek to North Carolina 191/Brevard Road.
Because of these closures, the Linville Falls Campground and the Pisgah Campground have also closed. Additionally, Linville Falls Visitor Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center are also closed. Closures also include the Doughton Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 239 and 241 and Price Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 296.9. Reservation holders will be notified.
More closures include the Doughton Park Visitor Center at milepost 241.1, Moses Cone Manor House at milepost 294, the Minerals Museum at milepost 330.9, and the Asheville Visitor Center at milepost 384.
If you are planning on driving near this area, the National Park Service advises that you use extreme caution and be aware of falling rocks or downed trees.
Congaree National Park
The park and all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and all hiking and paddling trails, will close to entry beginning today, September 26, at 4:00 p.m. through tomorrow, September 27. Reopening will happen when conditions allow and after park staff are able to assess park trail and facility conditions to ensure visitor and staff safety.
The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Friday, September 27. The park will announce if additional closures are necessary as soon as that information is known.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Due to mandatory evacuation notices, the Cumberland Island National Seashore is closed. All campers, visitors, staff, and volunteers have already left the island. The Mainland Museum and Plum Orchard will also be closed until further notice.
The Fort Frederica National Monument on the coast of Florida plans to close Thursday “due to predicted rainfall, winds, increased chance of tornadoes and flooding conditions from this storm.”
Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah, GA
Fort Pulaski National Monument is already closed to complete safety and property preparations. It will not reopen until damage assessments have been completed and the area is deemed safe for visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Closures and event cancellations are expected. Gusts in this area are expected to reach up to 70 miles per hour, so the National Park Service has closed the Rich Mountain Road, the Balsam Mountain Road, and the Heintooga Ridge Road.
The Balsam Mountain Campground has closed, and the Mountain Life Festival scheduled for the 28th has been canceled. The harvest-related cultural demonstrations will now take place on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, FL
Gulf Islands National Seashore has closed the Fort Pickens and Okaloosa areas. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry Sunset Cruise has been canceled for Thursday, the 26th, but plans to return by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the 27th. The Ferry Service for the 27th is canceled until further notice.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park closed today at 11 a.m. This area is predicted to see heavy rain, high winds, and hazardous conditions. The park will reopen once damage assessments have been completed.
Once again, note this may not be a complete list of closures and restrictions. Check ahead; know before you go!
##RVT1176b
As always, thanks for the latest updates.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Neal, do you really have to say the same thing over and over again on each and every article? Are you getting a prize or something? Are you sitting by your keyboard just waiting for every article to come out?
Yep! 🙂 Thanks, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
👍👍 Have a great day, Neal.🤗 –Diane
National Forests will also be closed. Lots of campgrounds there. See https://nowhabersham.com/forest-service-announces-temporary-closures-ahead-of-hurricane-helene/ for more informations