Ferry service is closed for the 2025 season, Bear Island facilities open. Bathhouse will be closed and winterized after November 16, 2025. 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.
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Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Beaverdam remains open, but all bathrooms there are closed due to construction. Portable toilets are available in Beaverdam. Bathrooms will be reopened once construction is completed in that area.
Mount Mitchell State Park
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.
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.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2025.
Bobs Creek State Natural Area, 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, Pisgah View State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Mountain Region, Marketing and Communications, Office of the Director, Operations
State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.
William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Marketing and Communications, Engineering and Construction, Operations, Trails Program
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.
Mountain Region, Operations
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.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.
Pilot Mountain State Park
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.
Carolina Beach State Park, Natural Resources, Operations
The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.
Gorges State Park, Interpretation and Education, Natural Resources
The state park is in the migratory path of the butterfly's annual migration to Mexico.