Impact of Hurricane Helene on Tennessee State Parks

November 13, 2024  |  

Our hearts are heavy with the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. We extend our deepest sympathies and support to all affected by this event. The impact on our northeastern communities has been profound, and we're focusing all our attention on assisting in the areas affected.

We are committed to serving our communities and visitors as areas of reconnection and peace in nature, and our most important goal is the safety of our visitors. Over the last few days, Tennessee State Parks has been evaluating the full extent of the aftermath and assisting with local community efforts where possible. Currently, four of our parks in East Tennessee remain entirely closed to the public as we continue to assess the repairs needed. In addition to full closures, other parks in East Tennessee have partial closures for inaccessible areas. Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience during this time. Below, we provide a hub of updated information on our parks.

Full Park Closures:

David Crockett Birthplace State Park

• Current Status: Closed
  • David Crockett Birthplace State Park experienced significant damage from the storms, but visitors, park staff, and animal residents present during the storm are safe. Currently, the entire park is closed to the public for safety.
• Reservations: All reservations for David Crockett Birthplace State Park will continue to be rescheduled until further notice.
  • If you have a reservation with David Crockett Birthplace State Park and have not been contacted, you are welcome to contact Central Reservations at 1 (888) 867-2757 Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST.
• Additional Updates: Follow the park's Facebook page for additional updates.

Partially Closed Parks:

Roan Mountain State Park

• Current Status: Open with Significant Closures
  • Roan Mountain State Park and Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area experienced significant damage from the storms, but visitors and park staff present during the storm are safe. Currently, the majority of the park is closed to the public for safety.
  • Visitors must exercise extreme caution as many trails have seen extensive damage. For a full list of trail closures, please click here.
  • We ask that visitors respect restricted areas as staff work to restore the park. Accessing a closed or restricted area of the park is a violation of park rules and regulations, subject to a class C misdemeanor. T.C.A. 11-1-108.
  • As of November 12th, 2025, the following remain CLOSED due to the storm damage and safety concerns:
    • Park Closures:
      • Upper Campground
      • Forest Road Trail: Cates Hole to the Headquarters
      • Bear Wallow Trail
    • Hampton Creek Cove Closures:
      • Birchfield Trail
  • The park is accepting volunteers to work on certain projects throughout the area. If you're interested in finding opportunities, please click here.
• Reservations: Reservations are currently available with no restrictions.
  • If you have questions about an upcoming reservation, you are welcome to contact Central Reservations at 1 (888) 867-2757 Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST.
• Additional Updates: Follow the park's Facebook page for additional updates.

Rocky Fork State Park

• Current Status: Fully Open
  • Rocky Fork State Park experienced significant damage from the storms, but visitors and park staff present during the storm are safe. The park is now fully reopened with some ongoing work.
• Reservations: All reservations for Rocky Fork State Park are available.
  • If you have a question about your upcoming reservation, you are welcome to contact Central Reservations at 1 (888) 867-2757 Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST.
• Additional Updates: Follow the park's Facebook page for additional updates.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

• Current Status: Open with Partial Trail Closures
  • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park has now reopened after closures from the storm. Guests should remain aware of their surroundings while visiting as some trails are still partially closed. The partial trail closures include:
    • Patriot's Path along the Watauga River
• Additional Updates: Follow the park's Facebook page for additional updates.

Panther Creek State Park

• Current Status: Fully Open
• Additional Updates: Follow the park's Facebook page for additional updates.

Tennessee State Parks acknowledges and greatly appreciates the community’s support and offers to volunteer with cleanup. At this time, we ask that no guests attempt to visit closed parks or areas until deemed safe for public use. For open parks, we request that all visitors continue to use caution and report any safety issues to park staff.

Tennessee State Parks is committed to assisting our local communities and actively sending resources into the affected areas to aid recovery efforts.

We encourage you to visit the TEMA website to stay updated on other recovery efforts.