What to know about the 5 NC state parks that reopened today
Several North Carolina State Parks reopened on November 1 following Hurricane Helene’s damage. However, some services are still unavailable.
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced that several state parks, including Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, and Lake Norman, officially reopened on November 1. These parks were closed temporarily in October due to the impact of Hurricane Helene.
The reopening includes specific areas within each park, while others remain closed for repairs and safety reasons. The division is concurrently participating in emergency efforts across western North Carolina.
About the reopened NC State Parks
At Crowders Mountain, trails and day-use areas are reopened, but camping facilities will stay closed through November.
Gorges State Park will see the Grassy Ridge Access reopen, including visitor centers, some trails, camping, and cabins, while the backcountry area like Frozen Creek Access will remain closed.
Grandfather Mountain will now allow access to most trails and campsites, except for the Profile Trail and related areas.
Lake Norman will reopen day-use and camping areas, though some mountain bike trails might remain inaccessible, and cabins are not available for new bookings.
Rendezvous Mountain has reopened all areas to visitors.
NC State Parks that remain closed
Other parks, including Chimney Rock, Elk Knob, and Mount Mitchell, remain completely closed as cleanup and hazard mitigation continue.
State Parks Director Brian Strong emphasized the importance of visitor and staff safety and requested adherence to marked closed areas due to potential hazards. The division has refunded reservations for campsites in parks that are expected to remain closed.
In addition to park management, over 150 division staff have been deployed to assist with emergency and rescue operations in the region. The division aims to reopen more facilities in November as conditions allow, balancing reopening efforts with ongoing safety measures and environmental recovery.
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