NORTH CAROLINA, USA — In the aftermath of Helene, all North Carolina state parks west of I-77 are closed through Oct. 31, according to the North Carolina State Parks Division of Parks and Recreation.
This will include state parks such as 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.
All programs and events at all the NC State Parks will be canceled through the end of October, except for Dismal Day, Oct. 12, at Dismal Swamp State Park; Fear at the Fort, Oct. 18-19 and 25-26, at Fort Macon State Park; and a Schools in Parks training, Oct. 26, at Carolina Beach State Park.
The division said it is also helping with the statewide emergency and rescue efforts in western North Carolina, in wake of Helene.
"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."
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