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First and foremost, our hearts and prayers go out to the residents of western North Carolina. Hurricane Helene’s devastation has left many families with nothing.
Calling this storm unexpected is an understatement. Asheville hasn’t seen flooding this severe since 1916. Over 15 inches of rain in just three days caused the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers to overflow, leading to catastrophic damage in the areas surrounding them.
Despite this, we believe in Asheville’s resilience and its ability to recover. Tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy, so supporting these towns remains important. The town will need time to recover, but it’s important that we continue to support it in the long run.
This Asheville flooding update provides what to expect if you’re planning a trip in the coming months.
The Pros:
The Cons:
Suggested Time For Resumed Travel: Asheville should be ready for tourism during the holidays.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The damage was extensive in the River Arts Disctrict, due to swelling of the French Broad. Almost all of the local art galleries, shops and breweries were completed wiped out. It may take years for this area to fully recover.
Downtown Asheville was fortunate to only have minor damages. Some parts of the city even retained power through it all, which was especially important to distribute food and water to local residents.
The downtown area will be one of the quickest areas to bounce back.
Unfortunately, there’s little good news to share. Biltmore Village was heavily flooded and largely destroyed.
This historic area, known for its shopping and dining, will take some time to fully recover.
The Grand Bohemian was one of our favorite places to stay, located right in the heart of Biltmore Village. Unfortunately, it likely won’t be operational for some time.
As Asheville’s top tourist attraction, the Biltmore Estate plays a key role in the city’s tourism.
While there’s no official report yet, early word suggests the damage isn’t too severe. The estate aims to reopen by October 15th.
Check back here for updates.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a major draw for Asheville, with tourists flocking to enjoy its stunning views, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
Fortunately, most of the roads and hiking trails sustained only minor damage and should be back in use soon.
Traveling to Asheville after Hurricane Helene will require some extra planning. Be sure to check for road closures, especially near the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, and stay updated on the status of major attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore Estate.
With parts of the city still recovering, it’s a good idea to book accommodations in advance and verify their operational status.
Supporting local businesses will also be key, as many are working hard to rebuild.
It has been assuring to see the amount of support that has flooded throughout the country to support this city. We are confident that Asheville will be able to bounce back and become on the go to destination for girls weekends and bachelorette trips.
Check out the Asheville Bachelorette Itinerary to discover top activities, dining spots, and hidden gems that will make your Asheville bachelorette party one to remember!
Disclosure: This Asheville flooding update was written by our team.
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