Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Post Helene: Phase One Reopening FAQ's:

What is open during Phase 1?

The first phase is the hikers’ parking lot, grounds, trails, portajohns, extremely limited shuttle services, and the hikers' lot. Videos, passport stamps, bark ranger information, and junior ranger booklets will be available in the garage near the Sandburg Home. No other areas or services are offered in Phase 1.

Why is the barn/house/store/etc closed during phase 1?

We are only opening grounds and trails at this time since we are working on post helene clean-up and repairs.

When will the house/barn/store/programs/Front Lake Parking lot and trail re-open?

We do not have any other re-opening dates at this time. Please check out Facebook Page or park website for updates.

Where are the portajohns?

The Porta-toilets and handwashing stations are located at the hikers' lot, amphitheater, and by the main restrooms near the Sandburg Home.

How many parking spaces are in the hikers' lot?

There are 24 spaces in the Hikers' lot. Please park in designated spaces only.
Please come back at another time.

What should I do if the hikers lot is full?

The hikers' lot is typically full between 10am and 3pm. Weekends are busier than weekdays. Please plan your visit outside of these timeframes.

When should I visit the park?

The hikers' lot is typically full between 10am and 3pm. Weekends are busier than weekdays. Please plan your visit outside of these timeframes.

Can I park along Little River Road?

No. Little River Road is a busy, winding county road with no sidewalks or parking spaces. For safety, please do not park or walk along it. Also, you may get a parking ticket from the local sheriff's office. Please do not park on private property along LIttle River Road The property owner may consider this trespassing.

Can I park at Flat Rock Playhouse and walk into the park from there?

The Front Lake area, which is closest to the Playhouse, is closed due to severe erosion and repairs needed on Front Lake Trail. The only curent access into the park is from the hikers' lot, which is 1/2 mile from the Playhouse, on a busy, windinig county road with no sidewalks or parking spaces. For safety, please do not park or walk along it. Maps are posted in the hikers' lot, at the Sandburg Home garage, at the barn entrance, and at restrooms by the Sandburg Home. Signs and barriers are posted by all closed areas. For your safety please stay out of closed areas.

I need accessible parking. How do I get it?

Please call the phone number listed in the hikers' parking lot. Limited options may be available. Front lake dam and bridge suffered further destruction by Hurricane Helene.

Will Front Lake dam and bridge be repaired?

The new damage is substantial. The previously approved repair plan (which included design, compliance, contracting, and a 2025-26 timetable) has to be redone due to the additional damage.

What are the other clean up tasks?

• The park is going through the funding, compliance, and contracting processes to:
  • Install a temporary bridge on Front Lake Trail so this trail and the Front Lake parking lot can reopen.
    • Since the 2022 failure of Front Lake dam, Front Lake Trail has been main pedestrian detour. Severe erosion makes this trail unusable. This repair is the park’s top priority. Without this trail there is no way to access park grounds, buildings, or trails from Front Lake parking lot. This lot is the main parking area for most of the site’s 150,000 annual visitors.
  • Repair the undercut culvert where the park shuttle exits the park.
  • Repair the park's main sewer line.
• Park staff continue to fill in washouts along trails and place barriers around severely eroded areas as these areas are unstable.

 

COVID-19 Information

- updated 5/11/2023

The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Find more information about the National Park Service’s response and operations at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.