CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 will remain closed through at least the end of October, according to the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.
The division is helping with recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The closures are intended to allow its staff to continue to help.
As part of the closure, most programs at state parks across the state have been canceled for the month. Anyone who had a paid reservation at a closed park -- including for cabins, picnic shelters, and more -- will receive a full refund.
"We appreciate your understanding as we help our neighbors and communities who are grieving and who have lost so much because of the storm," the division said.
The following parks are closed through at least the end of the month:
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Elk Knob State Park
- Gorges State Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Lake James State Park
- Lake Norman State Park
- Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- New River State Park
- Rendezvous Mountain
- South Mountains State Park
- Stone Mountain State Park
Three events are still slated to occur, though:
- Dismal Day at Dismal Swamp State Park on Oct. 12
- Fear at the Fort at Fort Macon State Park on Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26
- Schools in Parks training at Carolina Beach State Park on Oct. 26