We're Open, Come Visit!

With great joy and appreciation, Carolina Mornings would like to welcome you back to the Blue Ridge Mountains and continue to provide the top-notch luxury vacation rental experience our clients have come to expect. We invite you to book the perfect mountain getaway with us.

Our Vacation Coordinators are ready to help you select the perfect accommodations. As you plan your upcoming winter lodging, we hope you find the following information helpful.

Tourism is a vital part of Western North Carolina’s economy. That is why one of the best ways you can help our area recover is to plan a trip returning to our mountains! The small, local businesses in these recovered areas rely on tourism to survive and thrive. Many of these businesses are already hurting from the lack of tourism during the fall season and need your help in the coming months to recover financially! The Blue Ridge Mountains are still just as beautiful as ever. The following parks and attractions have reopened sections to visitors to enjoy with new openings being added weekly:

OPEN PARKS

Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Bracken Preserve

Nantahala National Forest

Gorges State Park

DuPont State Recreational Forest

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Grandfather Mountain State Park
Pack Square Park
French Broad River Park
Weaver Park
Pritchard Park
Malvern Hills Park
Richmond Hill Park
Chimney Rock State Park
Lake James State Park

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
New River State Park
Stone Mountain State Park

HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY FAQS

What Happened to WNC?

Western North Carolina experienced unrelenting rain and high winds as Hurricane Helene moved through the mountains during the last week of September. Some areas experienced more than 29 inches of rain within 72 hours. This led to catastrophic flooding in the low-lying areas of the region and countless downed trees that created life-threatening conditions for people throughout the region. Roadways were damaged, and widespread utility disruptions left much of the region without power, water, or cellular service.

What are the travel conditions like?

Most major highways in Western North Carolina are now open and ready for visitors. The main restriction remaining within the region is the closure of I-40 in both directions from Mile Marker 20 (US 276 west of Lake Junaluska) to Mile Marker 0 at the Tennessee state line.

For the most updated information regarding road closures and conditions as well as alternate route recommendations, please visit Explore Asheville's Travel Information page.

What about the mountain discovery pass? Is this still available?

Yes! Our MDP is an important part of the Carolina Mornings experience. With every booking, guests will still receive the same exclusive tickets and discounts to a variety of local businesses and experiences. Most of our MDP partners (including the Biltmore!) have returned to normal operations and are eager to welcome visitors back. We invite you to take advantage of this offering during your next visit with us!

How long will it take for the region to recover?

Many areas in Western North Carolina have already recovered from the damages of Hurricane Helene. Harder-hit areas continue to improve day-to-day. Below is a list of towns in the region currently back to normal:

Asheville
Brevard

Hendersonville

Flat Rock

Saluda

Tryon

Weaverville

Mars Hill

Maggie Valley

Waynesville

Is the Biltmore still open?

The Biltmore reopened on 11/2/2024 and is actively welcoming guests back to the grounds! During this period of recovery, the estate will open at 12 PM and the operating hours of the various shops, restaurants, and attractions on the grounds may vary. Select estate walking and biking trails and the Outdoor Adventure Center are also closed temporarily while the cleanup efforts continue within the wooded areas of the estate.

For updated information regarding visits to the Biltmore, visit here.

How can you help our area and business?

Tourism is a vital part of Western North Carolina’s economy. That is why one of the best ways you can help our area recover is to plan a trip returning to our mountains! There are many towns (see above list) that are open and ready for visitors. The small, local businesses in these recovered areas rely on tourism to survive and thrive. Many of these businesses are already hurting from the lack of tourism during the fall season and need your help in the coming months to recover financially! The Blue Ridge Mountains are still just as beautiful as ever.

In addition to this, if you would like to donate to charities supporting our recovery, some recommendations have been included below: