Grandfather Mountain nature park reopens
A river otter takes a rest in the grass at Grandfather Mountain. Officials with the nature park say the resident habitat animals were confirmed safe after Helene. Image by Leslie Restivo courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Grandfather Mountain, one of the High Country’s favorite destinations, has reopened after a closure due to damage in the region from Helene.
Officials with the nonprofit nature park say the storm’s impact was minimal compared to lower-lying parts of the area. But with power outages, travel restrictions and road damage nearby, the park had stayed closed until this week.
Landis Taylor is vice president of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. She says tickets will be limited, so visitors should book them in advance.
Taylor also asks that people come with a sense of understanding for those who will be serving them.
“These are folks who possibly have lost their homes, possibly know someone who has passed away," she says. "They’re dealing with their kids who have been out of school for a number of weeks due to everything that has happened. So to come with empathy and patience is more important than before.”
The nature park is next to but separate from Grandfather Mountain State Park. That site, like all state parks west of Interstate 77, remains closed.
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