After One of the Deadliest Hurricanes in U.S. History, Asheville Is Bouncing Back

"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 Authoritytold Travel + Leisure. And one of the most meaningful ways travelers can support the region is simple: visit. Tourism is essential to Asheville's recovery."

"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."

Hurricane Helene struck Florida as a Category 4 on Sept. 26, 2024, then moved north through Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. The southern Appalachian Mountains, especially Asheville, experienced the worst devastation after four days of relentless rain that flooded rivers and washed out roads, structures, and neighborhoods. The storm ranked as the third deadliest hurricane of the modern era, with more than 200 fatalities, including 104 in North Carolina. More than a year later, much of Asheville is open and many businesses have returned to 2023 fall travel levels. Reopened sites and tourism activity are central to ongoing recovery.

Read at Travel + Leisure