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Sam Perkins shared his experience of hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to check on his parents after Hurricane Helene hit the NC mountains. He found them safe but stranded due to severely damaged roads and infrastructure. The area, known for its scenic views, is now filled with devastation, including destroyed homes and downed trees. Sam expressed his gratitude for finding his parents alive and urged others to be patient as crews work to restore power and access to the affected areas. Post from Sam " My parents are ok but completely trapped. Yesterday, I hiked up to check on them. Brain spew coming; I'm still processing it all and was just locked in on go-mode yesterday. Still not having heard from my parents in 48 hours, I was drowning in worry. My parents live in an absolute gem of the NC mountains -- the Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine, Burnsville area -- halfway between Asheville and Boone. Under normal circumstances, it's pleasantly very isolated. Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes and utility networks. **This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.** I tried multiple routes to drive up but had to settle on parking in Marion at the base of a closed road (Hwys 221/226) and hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to find my parents thankfully ok but surrounded by devastation. I have never been so relieved to see anyone ok. Crews weren't even close yesterday. I can't tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross, how many fallen trees I had to take off my backpack for and navigate through. While hiking up 226A, I met multiple people trapped by devastation in both directions of the highway. In this part of the mountains with steep terrain rolling off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not only did water rise, it RAGED to tear up roads, earth and homes. Then, the winds (I'm certain tornados in some places) have brought down up to half the tree canopy. I'm still processing it all. I've never seen anything like it. Power is a couple weeks out. I cannot fathom how long it will take DOT to repair the curvy roads that hug steep mountainsides with the most amazing views. Most of all, I want my parents to have the same basic needs they always provided me -- food, water, shelter (house is mostly ok) and the ability to explore! But they can't even leave their home right now. The steep part of their gravel road has braided channels only 18" wide but up to 5' deep from rushing water. It's just a waiting game now. If you are or you have family in the mountains, I feel for you. Know that crews are chipping away." North Carolina Nc news #helene #ncwx #wnc