How to Visit Asheville Responsibly Following Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 26, 2024, then tore north through Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. But it was the southern Appalachian Mountains—particularly Asheville, North Carolina—that saw some of the worst devastation, as four days of relentless rain flooded rivers and washed out roads, structures, and entire neighborhoods. The storm became the third deadliest hurricane of the modern era, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, claiming more than 200 lives—104 of them in North Carolina alone.

More than a year later, the community is still recovering but showing remarkable resilience. “A little over a year after the storm, much of the Asheville area is open, and many businesses are back on par with the 2023 fall travel season,“ Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority told Travel + Leisure. 

And one of the most meaningful ways travelers can support the region is simple: visit. Tourism is essential to Asheville’s recovery.

What’s Open in Asheville After Hurricane Helene

Almost all of Asheville is open and ready to welcome visitors, according to the tourism board. While portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway—one of the National Park Service’s most visited sites—sustained damage, a 114-mile stretch has reopened, allowing seamless access north and south of the city and to major attractions like Mount Mitchell State Park, the Folk Art Center, Graveyard Fields, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Isley said they’re “delighted” to see visitors returning to The North Carolina Arboretum for “Trolls: A Field Study,” a whimsical installation featuring 12 oversized troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, crafted from fallen branches and reclaimed wood. The North American premiere runs through Feb. 17.

He added that Asheville’s hospitality community continues to grow, with 150 new partners joining this year across shops, attractions, restaurants, and more. The regional airport also debuted the first phase of its $400 million expansion, unveiling a new North Concourse with seven gates.

Food lovers have plenty to celebrate, too. The inaugural Michelin American South Guide launched last month, honoring 15 Asheville restaurants. Italian-Appalachian Luminosa earned a Green Star for sustainability, while Little Chango and Mother received Bib Gourmands for high-quality, well-priced fare. New additions to the city’s dining scene include elevated Mexican restaurant Xico and Asian-fusion spot Jazmin,, with French-style Le Parisien opening this winter and Ukrainian home-cooking Slava Café soon to follow.

Biltmore will debut its Luminere nighttime experience this spring before hosting the inaugural Biltmore Championship in September, marking the return of PGA golf to the region after nearly 80 years.

Several standout stays have also reopened, including The Radical and the rustic-chic AutoCamp Asheville, now welcoming guests again with Airstreams, cabins, and suites.

Areas Still Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene

While the essential stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway around Asheville has been restored, the damage was so extensive—including at least 57 mudslides—that some portions of the North Carolina–Virginia corridor are still under repair. According to the National Park Service, phase one of a three-phase recovery plan is complete, with updates available online. The city also notes that Interstate 40 near the North Carolina–Tennessee border is down to one lane in each direction, with narrower lanes and reduced speed limits. Travelers can find the latest information at DriveNC.gov.

In town, the River Arts District has reopened its Upper RAD north section, though other areas remain in recovery. Sugar and Snow Gelato reopened in November, and Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food is slated to reopen at Cotton Mill Studios in spring 2026.

How to Help Asheville Hurricane Victims 

For those visiting Asheville who would like to directly help with recovery efforts, Explore Asheville suggests voluntourism activities like river cleanups with Asheville GreenWorks or food distribution through Grassroots Aid Partnership, among activities listed on its page. Also, American Red Cross is seeking volunteers for its Shelter Heroes program to help with disaster relief, while All Hands and Heart mobilized to Asheville shortly after the hurricane hit and is accepting volunteers through Dec. 19 as well as Jan. 2 through March 28.

Locals said that the best way to support Asheville is by visiting in person. All travelers are reminded to prioritize putting their dollars towards small and independent businesses, as well as following the Leave No Trace principle to tread lightly and lessen their impact. 

Whether you’re near or far, those looking to help are asked to shop online with Asheville retailers as well as consider donating to the Always Asheville Fund, which has already distributed more than $2.17 million in grants to 389 businesses affected by the hurricane.

But above all, visit Asheville with grace. “A smile, a kind word, and a tip for the local people who graciously serve our guests is more appreciated and needed than ever,” Explore Asheville wrote on its site. “Be mindful and respectful around areas still in progress, but please come, shop and eat local, and enjoy your trip.”