Hurricane Helene & Dollywood - Getting to Dollywood from North Carolina

Hi Everyone,

Helene swept through our region, causing minor damage around Dollywood, but the impact was significantly less severe than what we witnessed in far east Tennessee, such as Greeneville and Unicoi County. The damage was even more extreme in western North Carolina, including Asheville and numerous smaller mountain communities.

Several people are reported missing, though many are likely out of communication due to widespread power outages and disrupted cell service. Wi-Fi has been a lifeline for those fortunate enough to have restored power, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones.

 

Two major interstates that are used to get North Carolinians to Dollywood are indefinitely closed.  I40 at the state line washed into the river below.  I26 has some sections that were washed away.  Fortunately, there are alternatives to those routes.

google maps - September 29, 2024

🔶If you can get to Wytheville, Virginia, then head south on I81 to I40 West, to Exit 407 to get to Dollywood.
🔶441 through the mountains is Now Open- 10/2/24.

🔶Hwy 129 - "The Dragon" - OPEN - NO SEMI TRUCKS!!!

See NCDOT for the most Up To Date Info - Link

What Im seeing Online:  I've been monitoring a few Facebook feeds and groups from North Carolina.  Most of the feeds are trying to connect loved ones from out of state with those that have been disconnected by the storm.  I've seen lots of happy endings and several sad ones too.  There are numerous Now & Then pics of how things used to look.  People looking for and connecting others with resources like gas, shelters, food, toiletries, and basic necessities.  

Here is one story from the Chimney Rock Area of North Carolina.

If you are looking to help in some type of way, then some good advice I saw, was look up state/county websites to see what resources they are asking for.  If you're not sure where to start, begin by googling Pet Shelters in these communities - no doubt they all need some assistance right now.  Red Cross is another good place to start.

Here are some of the places accepting donations in North Carolina - 

• LIST at Link - local NPR station, BPR.   A note at the top of the article says many of these resources are winding down - 10/3/24.
• Operation Airdrop

Here are the counties impacted by Helene

Tennessee

• Unicoi County
• Washington
• Sullivan
• Greene
• Hawkins
• Hancock
• Grainger

North Carolina

• Haywood
• Madison
• Yancey
• Mitchel
• Avery
• Watauga
• Ashe
• Jackson
• Transylvania
• Buncombe
• McDowel
• Burke
• Caldwell
• Wilkes
• Henderson
• Rutherford
• Polk
• Alexander
• Catawba
• Lincoln
• Cleveland
• Gaston

Additional Resources

NCPDS

https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene

https://www.facebook.com/NCEmergency/

road closure map

https://drivenc.gov/

emergency updates on nextdoor

https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/nc/asheville/buncombe-county-government/

How to help east Tennessee after Helene

https://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/how-to-help-east-tn-after-helene/

 United Way has created a fund to help those affected by Helene. https://www.unitedwaync.org/

American Red Cross - You can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation. People can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-helene.html

The Salvation Army is accepting donation and mobilizing disaster response teams. https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

Baptists on a Mission volunteers are putting teams together to serve those affected in North Carolina as conditions allow. https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Update

Samaritan’s Purse’s headquarters is in Boone. They are currently scheduling volunteers to help homeowners with the destruction in the city. https://spvolunteer.org/project-response/743

Find a recovery group to help via the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster list or find a group to volunteer with. https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/

GoFundMe has launched a hub for Helene relief that includes some North Carolina fundraisers. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-helene

Should I Take My Tennessee Vacation?? YES

I know that a lot of folks who are wanting to know if they can take their hard-earned vacation in the Smokies.  If you can get here safely, then I say yes, please do.   

If you're in North Carolina and out of the impacted areas, then you can drive up to Wytheville, Virginia on Interstate 77, then head down 81 South to 40 West and then to Exit 407 and, boom, you're here.  See my map, up above.

I travel to Wilmington NC from Knoxville semi-frequently and there are were four major routes across North Carolina that I can chose from. They are all nearly identical travel times, so take your pick, except Interstate 40 which is closed indefinitely at the border, and 26, which has a closed section. 

This whole situation has been heartbreaking in so many ways - to see the destruction of a hurricane so far inland.  I've never seen anything like that here.  Had Helene's path been a little further to the west, then where I live would have been in the crosshairs of the damage.  It's just all a bit shocking.  Take care everyone!

Spring Break 2023 - Brrrrrrrr!!

Hi Everyone,

Welp, Spring Break has, so far, been quite chilly and not very spring-like.  Currently, Monday at 10am it's 23 degrees at Dollywood.  Right now, Dollywood is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the schedule changes for April, but it's so cold.  Does that mean that the rides are not running?  

the highs look pretty good, right?

Read my post from Christmas time about Dollywood's ride temperature guidelines.  Each ride is unique, and Dollywood has a handy list of all that information since they operate in low temperatures multiple times in an operating season.  I've pulled all that together and added some commentary about it, and it may help you make a plan if you're headed to Dollywood on one of these cold mornings. 

added for drama.  it's not snowing right now at Dollywood, but sure feels like it could.

If your morning is free, waiting for Dollywood to thaw out, check out my blog list for the Best Breakfast places in Pigeon Forge.  I've compiled ratings from various sources we all use, and have list for you to look over.  Take a look at that here:  Best Breakfast Places in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

I wasn't at Dollywood yesterday, but I had noticed the forecast was not expected to get above 40 degrees.  I was surprised to see reports on social media later in the day about some of the rides opening at Dollywood.  

Read my blog post about Rides and Temperatures, here:

https://whatsupatdollywood.blogspot.com/2022/11/dollywoods-weather-guidelines-for-rides.html

Dollywood Weather Alert for Tuesday December 27th, 2022 - CLOSED TUESDAY

 UPDATE 12/27/2022 - Hi Everyone, Dollywood has updated their operations schedule for Tuesday and decided to remain closed Today, Tuesday, December 27th, 2022.

🦋🦋

Monday's forecast in Knoxville was that we would have a clipper system quickly pass through and bring about a half inch of dry snow.  Well, instead, it snowed for 12 hours and we got a couple of inches of snow and some areas around here received more than that, so I am not surprised by this decision after looking at some social media posts of Dollywood yesterday.  All the water features were frozen over, with large icicles dangling about.  The parking lot looked like an icy mess.  Today is the first day above freezing since last Thursday - it's going to take some time to resemble normal again.  

If you're in the area there is still tons of stuff to do!  Here's a small list of options:

• Ober Gatlinburg.  You can ride the aerial tram from the station in downtown Gatlinburg up the mountain.  Skis and Snowboards are available for rent at the top.  
• Mountain Coasters - I've lost track of how many there are right now, but here's a few - Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster and Goats on the Roof, both in Wears Valley.  The newest one is at Sky Ranch across from Tanger Outlets.  Rowdy Bear has numerous coasters in different styles as well as snow tubing indoor and outdoor.  Rocky Top coaster near Dollywood.  There are two others in Gatlinburg adjacent to Hillbilly Golf.  I know I am missing a few others.
• Mountain Mile behind The Island - several activities and thrill rides to choose from.
• The Island in Pigeon Forge has several rides and the giant wheel.  Plus, lots of restaurants to pick from...and shows to see.
• Anakeesta - I believe it is open today 9am to 9pm.
• Gatlinburg Aquarium.
• Gatlinburg Skylift and bridge - they're open today.
• Shopping - no shortage of that!   Five Oaks comes to mind first.  Shopaholics will enjoy that, and there are many more options than that.
• Titanic Museum
• Wonderworks Museum
• Dave and Busters

Good luck everyone, stay warm.  The forecast for the rest of the week looks warmer! 

Dollywood Weather Alert for Monday, December 26th. Delayed Opening

 Hi Everyone, please see the weather alert, below, for Dollywood for Monday December 26th.

Keep handy Dollywood's Facebook Page and Twitter Page for the most updated information.  

I was just looking at Monday's weather and a clipper system is expected to pass through the region after noon, which may create another opportunity for snow.  That would likely be reason enough for Dollywood to make more calls about their operating schedule - so stay tuned.    If I discover any new news to share about Monday, I'll update this post as soon as Im able to.  Watch this space. 

Dollywood Weather Alert! CLOSED Friday December 23, 2022

12/22/22 Note from Jeff - If you've had to cancel your Dollywood trip at Christmas for this year because of weather, or any other reason, you can still enjoy Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas!  It's not quite the same as going in person, but I have a great video I produced that you can sit and watch in the comfort of your favorite space.   Check it out below.  This was filmed on a really cold Wednesday back in November.  I hope you enjoy it.