The remnants of Hurricane Frances crossed the region on September 7-9, causing multiple rockslides and completely washing out some portions of the Parkway in western North Carolina. Estimates of damage to the road and visitor facilities is over $11 million.
Current road closures are as follows: Milepost 317 near Linville Falls to mile 325, from Milepost 344 at NC 80 near Marion to Milepost 355 at Mt. Mitchell State Park, and from Milepost 412 at US 276 south of Mt. Pisgah to Milepost 443 at US 23/74 near Waynesville. Mount Michell State Park is accessible from Asheville via the Parkway, but not from NC Route 80.
In addition, the entire Linville Falls recreation area, including picnic area, campground, and visitor center are closed for the season.
The major rockslides and most severe damage occured between Milepost 322 and 349 and some of this portion of the Parkway may be closed for up to a year.
The Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Milepost 331, the Parkway's two year-round visitor centers, did not sustain damage and remain open for the visiting public.
Full engineering assessments are being made by the Federal Highway Administration which provides assistance for emergency Parkway repairs and work will be initiated shorly thereafter.
