October 8 update:
New details and alert from Blue Ridge Parkway
“The National Park Service reminds the public that the full closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway and associated park trails applies to all vehicles and uses – motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.”

October 1 statement from Friends of the MST:
Our hearts go out to everyone who has experienced loss and the communities affected by the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The trail connects so many of us to the communities of western North Carolina, and in this moment we share a greater connection beyond the trail.

As a result of the storm, the entire North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. The MST from Kuwohi through Stone Mountain State Park should also be considered closed and highly dangerous. In the coming days and weeks, we will be surveying the trail and assessing damage, but trail restoration is a very low priority in light of the humanitarian crisis facing western North Carolina, and it is likely that sections of the trail will remain closed for a significant length of time. As we learn of trail conditions, information will be posted on our trail updates page.

Many of us are searching for ways to help. The state has created a North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and is accepting financial donations here. There are numerous local relief efforts underway by organizations and authorities in the affected communities, and you may find a good way to help through those local channels. If you live outside the affected area, many places are hosting supply drop sites that you can find online or through social media.

Please note, authorities are asking people from outside the impacted areas to not travel there and put additional strain on the limited resources available.

We at Friends of the MST are ready to do what we can to help at the appropriate time.

Stay informed about future volunteer opportunities to cleanup and repair the MST:
We are already hearing from people who want to help. If you are interested in helping on the MST in the impacted areas when the time is right, fill out this form and we will be in touch when opportunities are available.

The Great Trails State Coalition has compiled this list of resources:

Resources for individual donations:

    1. American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word “HELENE” to 90999 to make a $10 donation; redcross.org
    2. North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene
    3. Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army
    4. Feeding the Carolinas
    5. Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief
    6. WRAL story on how to help
    7. Manna Food Bank

Other media organizations that have offered resources:

    1. Blue Ridge Public Radio
    2. The Asheville Citizen Times
    3. WFAE
    4. In addition, check with your local churches and community organizations to see how they are assisting with relief efforts.

Emergency Support Resources:

    1. North Carolina Department of Public Safety: Answers questions about Hurricane Helene, including what to do if you cannot reach a loved one, need emergency rescue or want to track the situation in your area.
    2. American Red Cross: Offers disaster relief and support services.
    3. Disaster Assistance: Helps with housing, food and financial relief.
    4. Disaster Distress Helpline: Those dealing with the impacts of the hurricane can call 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support.
    5. Shelters: Find nearby shelters and other forms of emergency housing.
    6. Live Traffic Updates and Road Conditions: Check current conditions before traveling.
    7. North Carolina Emergency Management: Tracks local responses to the hurricane.
    8. Power Outages: Information on local outages and restoration times.