Hurricane Helene Updates

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Western North Carolina neighbors who have been affected by flooding caused by torrential rains from Hurricane Helene. While much of our neighboring region sustained significant destruction, Swain County, Bryson City, and the GSMR rail line were spared. GSMR and Bryson City are open and local businesses eagerly welcome visitors. We encourage tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to visit Bryson City this October and in the months ahead to experience all the beautiful fall colors and holiday happenings

Week of Oct. 7, 2024

Webcam Update

Want to see how things are looking in Bryson City for yourself? Check out Explore Bryson City’s webcam here: explorebrysoncity.com/plan-your-visit/bryson-city-smoky-mountain-webcams

Travel Update
Please note that Bryson City and Swain County are NOT included in the state’s Limited Access / No Travel Area and our county has no restrictions on travel and road access. US-74 is the main route into Bryson City and is open in both directions. All routes from the Atlanta area are open. US-441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open, allowing access from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and points West. NC-28 is also open from Fontana Dam and points West. Please check road conditions and travel times closely prior to departure. 
Community Update

Official Update from Swain County Tourism Development Authority on 10/7/24:

Grocery stores are open and stocked. Local gas stations are receiving regular deliveries of fuel. Also consider visiting one of our farms or farmer’s markets for fresh produce.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is open for restaurants and retail. They sustained no damage and will soon be open for rafting and zip lining.

Fontana DamFontana Village Resort (Including dining and retail) and Fontana Marina are open and operating. Fontana Lake did not experience any flooding and is open for recreational use.

Thursday, Oct. 3

Travel Update
Please note that Bryson City and Swain County are NOT included in the state’s Limited Access / No Travel Area and our county has no restrictions on travel and road access. US-74 is the main route into Bryson City and is open in both directions. All routes from the Atlanta area are open. US-441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open, allowing access from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and points West. NC-28 is also open from Fontana Dam and points West. Please check road conditions and travel times closely prior to departure. 
Community Update

Official Update from Swain County Tourism Development Authority on 10/3/24:

Electricity, water, and other utilities are all operational. Restaurants are open and receiving their regular food deliveries from their suppliers. Most shops are open except a small section of Everett Street, which should be open by the weekend of October 4-6

Grocery stores may be at low capacity for perishable foods, and operating on a cash-only basis. Local gas stations are receiving regular deliveries of fuel. Be prepared to pay cash at some businesses for the short term. If you are visiting within a week, plan to arrive with groceries, cash, and a full tank of gas until our local supply returns to normal.

Most carriers have restored WiFi, and full connectivity is anticipated soon. Many downtown businesses have WiFi. Most carriers, including Verizon and AT&T have restored cell phone service. Check with your local carrier to learn about their connectivity status.

Learn more at explorebrysoncity.com/plan-your-visit/travel-advisories

Monday, Sep. 30

Travel Update
Please research road conditions. I-40 is impassible in multiple locations and I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. To the East, US-74 is open from Asheville to Bryson City. To the West, US-74 is open from Chattanooga to Bryson City. Routes from Georgia and other points South are open. Please review road closures online and use Google Maps for the most current routing. 
Operational Update
We are pleased to announce that passenger rail operations from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge have resumed on Monday, September 30. Reservations are now available. We understand that current road conditions may prevent some passengers from making their reserved trips. Please call 1-800-872-4681 to modify.
Operational Update
The Tuckaseegee River Excursion train on Oct. 4 has been canceled. Guests booked on this train will be moved to our Nantahala Gorge train which departs Bryson City at 10:30am the same day.
Community Update
Free meals are available to those in need at the Bryson City depot this week from 12pm – 3pm through Oct. 4.

Sunday, Sep. 29

Operational Update
Due to the effects of the heavy rain and winds, there will be no train 9/29/24. Safety for passengers and staff is of utmost importance. All reservations are being refunded in full automatically. Please check your email for more information.

Saturday, Sep. 28

Operational Update
Due to the effects of the heavy rain and winds, there will be no train 9/28/24. Safety for passengers and staff is of utmost importance. All reservations are being refunded in full automatically. Please check your email for more information.
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