Grandfather Mountain to reopen after Hurricane Helene closure [Video]

LINVILLE, N.C. (WJHL) — Grandfather Mountain will reopen to guests on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The North Carolina nonprofit nature park, run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has been closed since Sept. 26.

Grandfather Mountain received minor damage from Hurricane Helene, a news release stated. A small number of trees fell during the storm and only a few washouts and landslides occurred. All staff and resident animal habitats were unharmed.

After Hurricane Helene swept through the region, the foundation turned its focus from park operations to humanitarian efforts in Avery County; working with nonprofits, regional businesses, tourism colleagues and more.

National forest areas reopen after Hurricane Helene damage

“The decision to reopen Grandfather Mountain following the regional impacts of Hurricane Helene is not a responsibility that we take lightly,” Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said in a news release. “As some nearby towns open their doors to tourists, our intention …