What’s open and safe to do in Blowing Rock after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina?
READ MORE
Parts of Western North Carolina welcome fall leaf visitors
Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
Expand All
As Hurricane Helene barreled through Western North Carolina, Blowing Rock was affected but says it was fortunate: None of its downtown infrastructure was destroyed. Water, power and internet are restored, and major highways are open and safe to travel.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation continues to advise caution when traveling to or near affected areas. It’s important to keep the roads clear for local traffic and other essential travel.
But some places, including Blowing Rock, are inviting visitors to return for the season and see the fall leaves from its scenic places. Some of the higher elevations have no leaves after Helene, but lower elevations have some good fall color, meteorologist Brad Panovich reported on Sunday, Oct. 20. A WCNC map shows Blowing Rock’s color to be in the low/moderate range. It’s at an elevation of 3,566 feet.
We’re doing a series on Western North Carolina towns to consider visiting this season. If you’re able to get there safely and be mindful of restrictions, your tourism dollars could help support those who need it. Browse our other guides to post-hurricane traveling here:
Today, here is what you need to know about traveling to Blowing Rock in the near future.
Is travel to Blowing Rock safe?
Major roads into Blowing Rock are open and safe for travel, Blowing Rock says. Many secondary roads are under repair. NCDOT has posted a detour map; check frequently for updates. Drivenc.gov also has road closures listed as well. Be mindful of lagging updates.
How to get to Blowing Rock
- Blowing Rock is accessible from Charlotte via I-85 South to U.S. 321 North.
- From Raleigh or Durham, take I-40 West to U.S. 421 North, then to U.S. 321. (Note: I-40 West is indefinitely closed past the Maggie Valley interchange, but traffic flowing east from Asheville has reopened.)
Can I stay in Blowing Rock?
Many hotels and lodging facilities are filled with displaced families, aid workers and repair crews. If your favorite place is booked, Blowing Rock has available lodging listed on its website.
Before you head out, check with your host for any information about secondary roads under repair.
Consider a day trip to Blowing Rock if you’re unable to secure lodging.
What restaurants are open in Blowing Rock?
Blowing Rock has a list of local restaurants and shops in town that are open and need our tourism support. If you can’t visit in person right now, purchasing a gift card will help a restaurant’s cash flow, the town says. Here are a few eateries to check out:
Location: 143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Bistro Roca reopened in early October and is operating under regular hours. It is also feeding uniformed first responders for free. The restaurant serves meals with locally sourced ingredients, including wood-fired pizzas, burgers, lobster rolls and more. Gift cards can be purchased online.
Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn
Location: 202 Gideon Ridge Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn has now fully reopened, serving meals including prime beef tenderloin, red snapper and red sirloin. The restaurant is helping the relief efforts of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. Restaurant gift cards are available online.
Location: 922 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
The Speckled Trout has reopened and is operating under regular hours. The restaurant and bottle shop serves cilantro trout nachos, blackened and grilled New York Strip, grain bowls and more. It is supporting relief efforts through The Build For Good Foundation. Restaurant gift cards are available for purchase, as well.
Location: 185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Timberlake’s Restaurant is located in the historical Manor House at Chetola Resort. It serves seasonally-available menu items, and its current menu includes ribeye, shrimp & grits and vegan crabcakes.
Important information for Blowing Rock travelers
Here are need-to-know points for visiting Blowing Rock and the surrounding area:
- Hurricane Helene damaged the Blue Ridge Parkway, and much of it remains closed until repairs can be made.
- Local state parks and many local trails remain closed. The Blowing Rock landmark has reopened.
- Tweetsie Railroad is closed for the season.
Resources to check before you go
Storm cleanup is an ever-changing situation, so make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.
This story was originally published October 18, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "What’s open and safe to do in Blowing Rock after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina?."
