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Mount Mitchell State Park reopened Sept. 15, 2025, for the first time since Hurricane Helene. The reopening coincides with the Blue Ridge Parkway reopening between milepost 382 in Asheville and milepost 355.3, near the entrance to the state park. With this announcement, all North Carolina state parks are now at least partially open.

Ferry service operates Wednesday through Sunday in September, the Bear Island bathhouse is open; the concession stand is closed, and no lifeguards are on duty. Bear Island camping is open; however, campers may have to access beachfront campsites through the path behind the campsites during high tide. The mainland areas and trails are open. The boat ramp is open, and the Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.

Morrow Mountain State Park began a major construction project on July 9, 2025, to replace aging water and sewer systems, with work expected to continue through early 2026. Visitors should expect construction noise and temporary disruptions.

New River State Park is continuing recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene. Some accesses and campsites are open while others remain closed.

Lake James State Park has reopened most facilities, but there are some ongoing closures due to Hurricane Helene damage. Park staff are conducting assessments at the Paddy's Creek swim beach area to determine a reopening timeline.

South Mountains State Park has reopened both accesses after being closed since Hurricane Helene. Some facilities remain closed until further notice. High Shoals Falls Loop, including the waterfall viewing area, is closed.

Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2025.

State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.

The bridge over Crabtree Creek at William B. Umstead State Park has been removed and will need to be replaced. Hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians should not utilize Ebenezer Church Road bridge due to motor vehicle traffic.

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is providing an opportunity for public comment on a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.

The road to the summit will be open daily, depending on available parking space and road conditions. Expect delays on weekends and holidays. To avoid this, plan to visit the park during the week or early in the morning or later in the evening.

The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.

The state park is in the migratory path of the butterfly's annual migration to Mexico.

Bowman was selected by a unanimous vote of the friends group's board of directors.