North Carolina officials announced the reopening, praising the efforts of the National Park Service and park staff, with Governor Josh Stein emphasizing the timing for leaf season and the importance of restoring access.

However, certain areas remain closed, including the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail from Craggy Trail Shelter to Snowball Mountain Trail.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened a 26-mile section from Asheville to Craggy Gardens, marking the completion of initial recovery repairs following landslides caused by Hurricane Helene.

Additional nearby recreation areas, such as Mount Mitchell State Park and USDA Forest Service lands, are accessible, with specific reopening details available online.

A celebration event for the park's reopening is scheduled for September 18, with a media event also planned, and officials emphasizing ongoing repairs and safety precautions.

Further details about the event will be announced soon, and the officials highlighted the importance of safety during ongoing recovery efforts.

Most trails within Mount Mitchell State Park have reopened, but some connecting trails in Pisgah National Forest remain closed, and the summit restaurant is still closed, though a concession stand operates on weekends.

Visitors are advised to check the NC State Parks website for the latest updates on trail and facility statuses, as some areas remain under repair or closed.

Additional recovery projects are ongoing, prioritizing safety and infrastructure restoration, with some areas still closed to ensure public safety.

The overall recovery plan aims to complete all repairs by fall 2026, gradually restoring full access and infrastructure across the affected regions.

The Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed north of Little Switzerland, requiring travelers from east and north to enter near Asheville and prepare for a 70-mile round trip due to the lack of nearby gas stations.

The parkway's repair involved complex, technical work due to challenging terrain, remoteness, and seasonal weather, necessitating visitors to stay updated on road conditions.

The reopening of Mount Mitchell was delayed by landslides on the parkway, which prevented access until repairs were completed.