Skip to main content

National parks, monuments, and seashores close in preparation for Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene causes National Park closures in America's southeast

hurricane helene travel closures noaa 1
NOAA / NOAA

As Hurricane Helene approaches the southeastern United States, several national parks are announcing closures to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. Here are the latest updates from the National Park Service regarding closures and safety measures.

Latest closure updates from the National Park Service

Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah, GA

Fort Pulaski National Monument closed by noon on Wednesday, September 25, to complete safety and property preparations. Once damage assessments have been completed and the area is deemed safe for visitors, the monument will reopen.

Recommended Videos

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, FL

In preparation for Hurricane Helene, Gulf Islands National Seashore have closed the Fort Pickens and Okaloosa Areas. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry Sunset Cruise has been canceled for Thursday, the 26th, but plans to return by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the 27th. The Ferry Service for the 27th remains canceled until further notice.

Great Smoky Mountains

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains should anticipate closures and event cancellations due to the high winds and 6-10 inches of expected rain from Thursday to Friday. Gusts in this area are expected to reach up to 70 miles per hour, so the National Park Service has closed the Rich Mountain Road, the Balsam Mountain Road, and the Heintooga Ridge Road. The Balsam Mountain Campground has closed, and the Mountain Life Festival scheduled for the 28th has been canceled. The harvest-related cultural demonstrations will now take place on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Closures for the Blue Ridge Parkway will be from milepost 314-375.6 from north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek, and milepost 393-455 from NC191/French Broad overlook to the Soco Gap. Because of this, the Linville Falls Campground and the Pisgah Campground have also closed, in addition to the Linville Falls Visitor Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. If you are planning on driving near this area, the National Park Service advises that you use extreme caution and be aware of falling rocks or downed trees.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Due to mandatory evacuation notices, the Cumberland Island National Seashore will also be closed. All campers, visitors, staff, and volunteers have already left the island. The Mainland Museum and Plum Orchard will also be closed until further notice.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Starting on September 26, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park will close by 11 a.m. This area is predicted to see heavy rain, high winds, and hazardous conditions. The park will reopen once damage assessments have been completed.

Visitors planning to travel to any national parks in the affected areas should check for the latest updates and exercise caution. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and additional closures may occur.

Sarah Joseph
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
This nation was just named the happiest country in the world for the eighth straight year
Finland took the top spot for the eight consecutive year
A view of Helsinki and the Gulf of Finland

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world according to the latest World Happiness Report. The annual report, which ranks 147 countries based on key factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, generosity, and freedom, continues to highlight Finland’s remarkable quality of life.

The rankings are based on Gallup World Poll data, with respondents from more than 140 countries scoring their overall life satisfaction over the three preceding years (in this case, 2022 to 2024). Finland's success in consistently securing the top spot reflects its strong healthcare system, excellent education, and low levels of inequality, all of which contribute to its high overall life evaluations.

Read more
The European nation was ranked as the best destination to move to in 2025
Iceland ranks high for quality of life, safety, and more
Field and mountain in Iceland

Looking to relocate in 2025? Remitly’s new Immigration Index has ranked the best countries to move to based on 24 key factors, including cost of living, employment opportunities, healthcare, safety, and overall happiness. After analyzing 82 nations, one European country emerged as the best destination for expats.

Iceland takes the number one spot, scoring high for happiness, safety, and financial stability, though it comes with a higher cost of living. The country boasts gorgeous natural landscapes, a strong social welfare system, and one of the world’s highest minimum wages and annual salaries.

Read more
From salt flats to sand dunes: The hidden wonders of Death Valley National Park
Adventure across California’s most diverse landscapes
Salt flats in badwater basin in Death Valley

Death Valley National Park is infamously known as big, barren, and foreboding. So why is it named one of the best national parks to visit in winter, attracting over 1 million annual visitors? The answer is in this park's sheer variety of natural landmarks. One moment, you're standing on a mile-long salt flat. Next, you're admiring the rainbow-colored badlands, and by sunset, you're trekking the dunes -- all within the same park.
Have I piqued your interest? I hope so. Death Valley rivals Yosemite as one of California's most ecologically diverse natural landmarks, and it deserves a visit. But what formations are most worth your time, especially if you only have one day to explore? Let me suggest a few must-see sights based on my most recent visit and a primer on the park's history and geography.

Death Valley National Park’s history, climate, and key facts

Read more