The home base of the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC is only about 65 miles west of Asheville, which has suffered major devastation from Hurricane Helene. I was glad to learn that with the exception of their French Broad Outpost, the NOC is mostly OK.
Here are some excerpts from the NOC website:
"As you know, Asheville and some of our river communities have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are doing our best to aid in the help with supplies and more. Fortunately, our staff are all safe.
At this point in time, it is small local and regional businesses that need your support, whether it be visiting responsibly, booking a future stay or adventure, or shopping online or in stores. Our small businesses, staff and guides need work and to stay afloat, and that’s where you come in!
Bryson City and the Nantahala River Gorge were barely impacted by the storm, and our NOC’s Outfitter’s Store, Lodging, and the Rivers End Restaurant are open for business as well as downtown, the Smoky Mountain Railroads and others. Please consider visiting if you can travel here responsibly. Our Nantahala adventures are currently paused, but waiting for direction by the Forest Service to reopen in the near future.
NOC Gatlinburg and downtown are all open as well as the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park. These small businesses also benefit from your patronage as they continue to operate and help with aid from afar.
If you plan to travel, see the latest road conditions at Drivenc.gov.
Operations Updates 10.2.24
We do have some adventures and stores open and are ready to welcome you. By supporting us and other small businesses, you’re helping keep our towns strong, our staff and guides working as we continue to provide resources to outside communities in need. We need your help to stay afloat and keep the local spirit alive.
We are accepting local donations at our store that will be delivered directly to those impacted by the storm:
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Trash bags & Cleaning products
• Blankets
• first aid supplies
• feminine hygiene products
• diapers and baby clothes,
• Paper products
• flashlights, batteries
• Pet food and products"
You can learn more at https://noc.com/noc-operations-updates/