NCDOT said traffic may be flowing in both directions on I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge by New Year’s Day.

Experts say Hurricane Helene’s flooding has permanently reshaped the Nolichucky River’s structure and flow. The storm also left a lasting impact on the surrounding ecosystem and landscapes.

Eyeballing his Garmin LiveScope screen, my guide for the day, Jason Sealock, pointed and said, “The brush pile is about 20 ...