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The section opened is from milepost 305.2, near Beacon Heights and U.S. Highway 221, to milepost 317.5, at the U.S. Highway 221 access point to the Linville Falls community.

The opening of this road section, closed since Hurricane Helene due to a landslide and large amounts of debris, is the first of multiple openings expected in the coming weeks and months as the Parkway’s first repair projects near completion. Due to remaining damage in the area, Linville Falls spur road, campground, picnic area and visitor center remain closed.

As a result of Hurricane Helene, there were at least 57 landslides across nearly 200 miles of the parkway in North Carolina. Work to restore road access, repair road damage and stabilize slide areas began in the fall of 2024 and is planned in three phases:

• Phase 1 — This initial round of projects, including Monday’s opening, addresses 12 repairs in eight areas. Once complete, across the summer and into the fall, more than 48 miles of the parkway will be restored for public use in locations across western North Carolina.
• Phase 2 — Projects included in this phase will repair 21 landslide areas primarily between milepost 318.2 and 323.4, in the area south of Linville Falls. Contracting is currently underway for projects included in this phase, and work is expected to be complete by fall 2026.
• Phase 3 — Planning is underway for this phase, which addresses repairs to more than 23 sites primarily between milepost 336.7 and 351.9, in the area between Little Switzerland and Mount Mitchell.

This system provides both public access to newly opened areas as soon as possible, and access to previously unreachable areas by contractors.

Trail assessments are still underway, and hikers may encounter hazards on trails such as landslides, tree debris and washed-out sections or bridges.

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