While Asheville and other Western North Carolina cities are just beginning to rebuild in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, some lesser-hit North Carolina areas are ready to welcome back visitors.

FOX Carolina has a list of towns and other areas in western North Carolina that are now open to visitors as well as those that have not opened following the devastation left by Helene.

North Carolina is a beloved travel destination all year round, especially in the fall and early summer, when its natural beauty really shines. While much of the western part of the state is still recovering from widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, some areas are open for business and in need of visitors.

Parts of western North Carolina remain off-limits to tourists as the recovery from Helene continues. But other mountain communities are eager to welcome fall visitors to help keep their small businesses afloat as they try to get back to normal.

Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina towns outside of Asheville still need clean water, food and volunteer help weeks after the storm struck.

Towns across western North Carolina are slowly rebuilding weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the region. Part of that process includes welcoming visitors. Why it matters: Tourism plays a massive role in the economy of many of these mountain communities,