LINVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Grandfather Mountain and a nearby portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened Wednesday, weeks after damage from the effects of what was Hurricane Helene.
Officials said that the area of the Parkway between Blowing Rock and near the entrance for Grandfather Mountain along U.S. Highway 221 mainly dealt with downed trees on roadways. Queen City News traveled a portion of the area Wednesday, where we noticed a “road closed” sign at one location, along with signs of downed trees, along with repairs from a landslide.
Officials with the foundation that operates Grandfather Mountain said they had previously planned to have a “thoughtful reopening.” The decision to reopen was based on a number of factors, including the reopening of the small section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the attraction, and much of the work over the last month focusing on recovery in areas near Grandfather.
“We could’ve opened the park a couple of weeks ago,” said Landis Taylor, with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “But that did not feel like the right thing to do whatsoever. You know, as infrastructure was still being built back to the area, as other communities around us are still trying to figure out how they can welcome guests.”
The reopening of both Grandfather Mountain and the small stretch of the Parkway started small, with few travelers venturing to those locations on the first day.
Officials note that you likely will not be able to spot any damage from Grandfather Mountain, and they note that any visitors to the area be aware of the cleanup that is still happening in nearby communities.
“Check out what businesses are open and closed,” said Taylor. “Make those hotel reservations before you come up, before you get here. So just kind of have a sense that you are visiting an area that has gone through a lot in the last few weeks.”
