Flat Rock – The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site welcomed visitors back to its barn and the beloved Connemara goats on January 22, 2025. This reopening was part of a phased approach to restore access to the park following significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The barn offered a variety of engaging activities, including videos, passport stamps, and junior ranger booklets, all available in the garage near the Sandburg Home.
Parking and Accessibility Information
At that time, the only parking available was in the hikers’ lot, which accommodated just 24 vehicles. This lot tended to fill up quickly, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with weekends being particularly busy. Visitors were advised to park only in designated spaces and to return later if the lot was full, as there were no designated parking areas or sidewalks along Little River Road.
For those needing accessible parking, a phone number was posted in the hikers’ lot for inquiries about limited options. Superintendent Polly Angelakis expressed enthusiasm about the reopening, stating, “We are excited to reopen the barn for visitors to enjoy. The goats are beloved by many and are just as ready to see you as you are to see them again.”
Current Facilities and Future Plans
While the barn was accessible, several facilities remained closed during this phase. These included the Sandburg Home and tours, the park store, the Front Lake parking lot and trail, drinking water access, and flush toilets. Portable toilets were available at various locations, including the hikers’ lot and amphitheater entrance, until repairs to the main sewer line could be completed.
Visitors were encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring their own drinking water, as there was no access to water within the park. Maps indicating open and closed areas were posted at key locations, including near the hikers’ lot and barn entrance. It was crucial for safety that visitors adhered to signs and barriers marking closed areas.
The Front Lake parking lot and trail remained inaccessible due to severe damage from flooding, which had washed out two bridges and created a deep ravine. The park was actively working on plans to install a temporary bridge to facilitate the reopening of these areas. Additionally, the Front Lake dam, which failed in 2022, sustained further damage from Hurricane Helene, necessitating a complete reevaluation of previously approved repair plans.
Since closing in late September 2024 due to Hurricane Helene’s impact, emergency cleanup crews had been deployed across multiple national parks in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. These efforts included work at Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains, among others.
As of that time, there were no further updates regarding additional reopening plans for other facilities within the park. Visitors were encouraged to stay informed by checking the park’s Facebook page or visiting www.nps.gov/carl for the latest information.
The reopening of the barn marked a significant step towards restoring access to this cherished site. With ongoing efforts to repair damage and improve facilities, visitors could look forward to enjoying the natural beauty and history that Carl Sandburg Home NHS had to offer.