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With the full extent of the devastation and loss of life still visible, tourism authorities in states along Helene’s destructive path are providing nuanced guidance on which parts of their states are open to visitors.

It’s a balancing act for officials as they weigh the economic impact on communities less affected by the storm against the long recovery that many people in their states now face.

In western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and other mountainous areas in Helene’s path, the storm hit just as the fall foliage season was expected to draw throngs of tourists to cities and rural areas.

Numerous state and national parks along the trail remain closed, while some counties and cities are bringing power and communications back online.

Asheville and almost all surrounding communities in Western North Carolina are currently off limits.

“State and local officials strongly advise all motorists to avoid travel to western North Carolina as challenges and risks from river flooding, landslides, slope failures, road closures and downed trees continue,” a travel advisory for western North states Carolina adds that power and communications outages and shortages of water, food and gasoline are still widespread.

But tourism officials say there are some limited exceptions, even in hard-hit North Carolina.

The travel advisory posted on the Visit North Carolina website says that while most of western North Carolina should be avoided, there are areas in the far western part of the state that are “ready and welcoming visitors “.

These include Cherokee (Murphy area), Clay (Hayesville area), Graham (Robbinsville area), Macon (Franklin and Highlands area) and Swain (Bryson City area) counties, according to an updated advisory dated March 3. October emerges.

“Visitors should call in advance to confirm their plans and ensure safe routes to access these mountain destinations,” the post said.

DriveNC.gov lists current road conditions. The advisory also includes information about which government reception centers are closed and how to help and donate to recovery efforts.

The balance between sustaining communities economically and creating space for recreation is not lost on many potential visitors, who have peppered Facebook posts with questions about whether continuing fall trips would be helpful or harmful.

In a comment on the Visit Highlands NC Facebook page, a potential visitor said, “We only want to do what’s best for the Highlands community and appreciate your sincere thoughts.”

A local boutique’s Facebook account responded, “We welcome you with open arms!”

Another local Facebook user gave a detailed response to the locals’ “mixed” feelings. “So it depends…What are your specific plans?” the poster asked, noting that visiting downtown shops and restaurants was fine, but driving throughout the entire region was dangerous and “the Be-Jesus of utility workers and some locals who are dealing with the effects of the storm.”

Highlands escaped many of the storm’s worst impacts, and the head of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands said in an online update that “we are fortunate.” According to an update Thursday afternoon, most are stores, stores and restaurants open in the city.

In Tennessee, the state’s Department of Tourism Development posted an update on its website, noting that “much of Tennessee is open for business.” The post states that the popular tourist towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville were included in this review.

“Travel carefully and call before you go,” the post said.

Portions of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited national park, are open, but outdoor recreation in the park is discouraged due to limited staffing and concerns about visitor safety. Several roads in the park – located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee – are closed, the National Park Service said Monday.

“While we recognize this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to postpone their trips for their own safety,” NPS said, pointing out in a Facebook post Monday. that destinations in Sevier County are “fully open to those who can.” Access to the district via safe routes.”

Another popular NPS site, the Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed along its entire length in North Carolina and Virginia.

As of Thursday afternoon, the travel alerts section of Explore Georgia’s website did not provide location-specific guidance for travel within the state.

Discover South Carolina’s travel advisory notes multiple welcome center closures due to power outages and state park closures.

Visit Florida’s page dedicated to Helene Resources alerts visitors to points of interest, state park closures and Florida 511 pages of travel information.

Virginia tourism officials advise caution when traveling to affected areas in southwest Virginia.

“While travel is currently challenging in some Southwest Virginia destinations, some counties and cities in the region are open and ready to welcome visitors,” the Virginia Tourism Corporation wrote on its website

“The safety of residents and visitors is our top priority, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation are monitoring conditions as response efforts are underway,” VTC said.

Travelers should confirm their plans to ensure destinations can welcome visitors. The VTC notice also noted the closure of select state parks, relief and recovery efforts, and other travel information.