Ferry service operates Friday through Sunday in October, 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.
Mount Mitchell State Park is now reopened to the public.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open up to the state park entrance but remains closed from just past Mount Mitchell through milepost 334 near Little Switzerland. Please read our blog post for the most up-to-date information on park access and trails status.
Bear Island Facilities Open 10/01/25 and Ferry Service Open 10/3/25 After Tropical Storm Imelda
Facilities, including camping at Bear Island open Wednesday, 10/1/2025. Ferry service resumes Friday, 10/3/2025 with the October schedule after Tropical Storm Imelda. Visit our Status of Facilities page for more information.