09/30/2024
9/29/24 Sunday, UPDATE on Bryson City's current conditions: As reported on news channels and social media, Tropical Storm Helene caused catastrophic damage to many of the towns to the east of us.
Swain County and Bryson City were spared from this devastation. Bryson City is up and running. Restaurants and shops are open, and water and utilities are working.
Grocery stores and gas stations are open. Be prepared to pay cash at businesses that do not yet have WiFi. The Fryemont Inn and Marianna Black Library - both near downtown - have Wifi, which is available for the public to use while WiFi is down in other locations.
The local electric company reports no power outages in Bryson City and Swain County.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will resume excursions to the Nantahala Gorge tomorrow, Monday, September 30.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open at Deep Creek.
Cell service and Wi-Fi are spotty, and most people cannot use their cell phones. ATM's may not be working.
Most businesses recommend bringing cash with you if you arrive within the next few days.
If you see posts or news reports that "ALL ROADS in Western North Carolina should be considered CLOSED," THAT IS NOT TRUE in our local area - Bryson City is further west of the hard-hit areas. If your route takes you anywhere near Asheville, Marion, Hendersonville, Chimney Rock, Boone, or Blowing Rock, some of those roads are closed, and you should seek an alternate route.
If you will be traveling to Bryson City, Google Maps recognizes closed highways and suggests alternate routes.
We have compiled alternate routes to Bryson City based on news reports and social media:
Traveling to Bryson City from the SOUTH, roads are clear on 441/23N in north Georgia. Follow 441 north into North Carolina; this route eventually becomes 441/74 as you pass through Dillsboro toward Bryson City. Stay on 74 to Bryson City. (441 exits to Cherokee at exit 74, and 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed at the Cherokee entrance to the Park). As far as we know, most roads in Cherokee are clear.
Traveling to Bryson City from the WEST: US 74 is clear at the NC/TN state line at Ducktown, TN, through Murphy, Andrews, the Nantahala Gorge, and on to Bryson City.
Also from the west is US 129 S out of Maryville, TN, which will take you along the Tail of the Dragon into Robbinsville, NC. There, you can pick up 143 out of Robbinsville, to 28 at Stecoah, and US 74 east onto Bryson City.
If traveling to Bryson City from the NORTH, please avoid I40, as that highway is closed from Knoxville to Asheville.
Instead, look at the alternatives above coming from the west or south.
There are two alternatives if you are traveling to Bryson City from the EAST. Take Interstate 85 south and pick up 441 north at Commerce, GA. A second alternative is to take Interstate 26 West to Interstate 40 West, to 74 West in Waynesville to Bryson City. NOTE: Interstate 40 is blocked east of the 40/26 interchange and east of the 40/74 interchange. You cannot access the city of Asheville along this route.
We cannot report on specific county road conditions or individual cabin access. Most, if not all, are clear. Please get in touch with your lodging provider for specific information.
We never lost power and have WiFi. Still no phone service. All roads in and around Bryson City leading to our vacation homes are perfectly clear. There was no damage at all to our property. Please check Google Maps for updated info on road closings. This has been the most reliable source. There are false reports leading people to believe that roads are closed and WNC should be avoided. This is false info. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Our Warmest,
Michelle and Shannon
