The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced this week that all state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through Oct. 31.
The closed parks include Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Lake Norman, Lake James, South Mountains, New River, Stone Mountain, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and Rendezvous Mountain.
The division has also canceled most events and programs at all state parks through Oct 31. The events not canceled are Dismal Day on Oct. 12 at Dismal Swamp State Park; Fear at the Fort on Oct. 18-Oct. 19 and Oct. 25-Oct. 26 at Fort Macon State Park; and a Schools in Parks training on Oct. 26 at Carolina Beach State Park.
Reservations for campsites and other state park facilities west of I-77 have been canceled through Oct. 31 as well, officials said. Reservations will be refunded in full.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, about 30 staff members from the parks were assigned law enforcement tasks requested through the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center, authorities said. Many staff members are sworn law enforcement and certified as emergency medical responders.
“The devastation brought by Helene in many communities across western North Carolina has been profound,” Brian Strong, the state parks director, said. “The entire division wants to provide whatever assistance we can to our neighbors and the areas that were hit the hardest. We want to prioritize our resources, other staff, and equipment toward immediate and lifesaving needs.”
Once vital needs are met, staff will focus on state park recreational facilities, evaluating their conditions, addressing safety hazards and clearing downed trees before reopening to the public.
“In the last few days alone, we have seen the entire state come together to support each other during this difficult time. We know our parks are beloved by North Carolinians, but we also know our visitors are eager to help those who are grieving and those who have lost so much because of this storm,” Strong said.
