All state parks west of I-77 will be closed at least through October 31, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed indefinitely.
The parks — all west of Interstate 77 — include Chimney Rock, Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, Mount Mitchell, New River, South Mountains, and Stone Mountains state parks, as well as Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and Rendezvous Mountain.
“The devastation brought by Helene in many communities across western North Carolina has been profound,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “The entire division wants to provide whatever assistance we can to our neighbors and to these areas that were hit hardest. We want to prioritize our resources, both staff and equipment, towards immediate and lifesaving needs.”
