In Asheville, Hot Springs and other towns that cater to hikers, many restaurants, hotels and Airbnb’s have reopened. Road repair work in the mountains is still underway, the N.C. Department of Transportation has established detours where necessary.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Nearly five months after Hurricane Helene devastated a portion of the Appalachian Trail in Western North Carolina, hikers can once again tackle the trail. The U.S. Forest Service said they cleared out nearly 140 miles of trails along the Appalachian Ranger District, according to our partners at WLOS.

The U.S. Forest Service has cleared 137 miles of trails in the Appalachian Ranger District. MARS HILL, N.C. — Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can once again explore more of the Appalachian Trail and surrounding areas in Pisgah National Forest as cleanup efforts continue after Hurricane Helene.