Storm damage at Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore and other Western NC landmarks after Helene
Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Helene swept through the southeast as a tropical storm, much of the damage across North Carolina is still being assessed, even at some of the state’s most loved tourist attractions.
Along with several roads shut down after being washed out, several big businesses and landmarks in Western North Carolina are closed after flood damage from the storm.
From popular roadways to state parks, here’s the latest on some of the damage left behind from Helene’s destructive wrath on some of the top spots in North Carolina’s biggest mountain towns:
Biltmore Estate
Latest update: Temporarily closed
While Helene storm damage varies across the 8,000-acre property of America’s largest home, the Biltmore House, conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels had little to no damage from Helene, but the entrance to Biltmore and other low-lying areas of the property did have some flooding.
According to the estate’s website, guests with daytime tickets for Sept. 27-Nov. 1 can reschedule a visit once the estate is reopened or request a refund online. Overnight guests with stays scheduled for Sept. 27-Nov. 1 will be emailed with more details about alternative options.
While the estate is being restored, the team launched a $2 million “Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC” to support estate employees, emergency response teams and nonprofit partners in Asheville.
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Latest update: Temporarily closed
While damage from Helene is still being assessed, the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed, the National Park Service announced. One week following the storm, tens of thousands of trees across the roadway and nearly three dozen rock and mudslides have been discovered, which is why officials warn that “until the parkway has been reopened, entering closed sections is not only dangerous to visitors and recovery crews, but also illegal.”
“The damage left behind by the storm has created dangerous conditions, some of which are not immediately visible from the road itself,” Tracy Swartout, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, said in a release. “We thank the public for their cooperation in respecting closures for their safety and to allow crews to complete their work.”
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
Grandfather Mountain and other state parks
Latest update: Temporarily closed
Both the private park and state park at Grandfather Mountain are closed at this time. According to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation website, Helene brought landslides, flooding and an “extreme number of downed trees and powerlines” to the area.Along with the state park portion of Grandfather Mountain, all state parks and recreation areas west of I-77 in Western North Carolina have temporarily closed.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is accepting donations to provide relief to those in need around the area. You can contribute online at grandfather.com/helene.
All state parks west of I-77 and most park programs are closed through at least Oct. 31.
The North Carolina Arboretum
Latest update: Temporarily closed
Storm damage is still being assessed at the North Carolina Arboretum in south Asheville following Helene so it is closed until further notice. At this time, the team is warning the public to avoid trying to walk or bike onto the 434-acre public garden.
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Latest update: Temporarily closed
The team at The Omni Grove Park Inn says they are in the early stages of assessing the impact on the property’s infrastructure so the hotel is temporarily closed and does not have water or power. While the team is working on restoring full operations, the Omni’s website says the team is also clearing debris from its golf course and addressing minor flooding.
Guests with bookings through Oct. 26 have been canceled and those who pre-paid will be issued refunds. Those with future reservations will be contacted about alternative arrangements.
During its temporary closure, the hotel announced that it is collecting donations to assist its associates affected by the storm. Contributions can be made online at linktr.ee/omniresources.
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
Tweetsie Railroad
Latest update: Temporarily closed
While storm cleanup continues from Helene, North Carolina’s first theme park remains temporarily closed through the fall season.
A spokesperson for the park told The Observer that the park incurred some damage during the storm and flooding.
“This storm has touched the lives of so many in ways we never anticipated,” Chris Robbins, President of Tweetsie Railroad, said in a statement. “Many of our team members and local families are facing tremendous challenges, and we want to ensure they have the time and resources they need to get back on their feet. Their safety and well-being are our top priority.”
According to the park website, all ticket sales have been paused but those who already purchased some can request a refund or exchange by emailing tickets@tweetsie.com.
To support relief efforts in the area, the team launched the #TweetsieMatchingChallenge. The park made an initial $10,000 donation to Samaritan’s Purse, with a pledge to match and even triple additional contributions.
The park plans to reopen for the holiday season on Nov. 29.
This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Storm damage at Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore and other Western NC landmarks after Helene."
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