Chimney Rock State Park reopens 9 months after devastating storm Helene
Share this @internewscast.com

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. () — After being closed for nine months due to the destructive storm Helene, Chimney Rock State Park reopened its doors to the public on Friday.

The iconic rock formation, which closely resembles a chimney, is once again welcoming tourists. Last September, the Village of Chimney Rock, situated at the base of this landmark, was nearly obliterated.

With the construction of a new bridge, the park is now reconnected to the town, allowing for easier access. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, North Carolina governor Josh Stein, expressed optimism, referring to the park’s reopening as a ‘ray of hope.’ To much applause, he declared, “I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Chimney Rock State Park is back open.”

Stein also signed a new bill of Helene relief worth $575 million that extends the state emergency to October 1. The measure sets aside $75 million to repair private roads and bridges and allocates additional money for wildfire mitigation, landslide prevention, dam repairs and aid to schools and local government.

Governor Stein said, “[Chimney Rock] is an incredible asset of the peoples. This rock represents a great deal to the people of western North Carolina and the fact that the people can come back to their rock is great and meaningful. But it serves more than just a symbol, it is an economic engine for this entire area.”

Typically 400,000 people visit Chimney Rock State Park annually.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sheriff Names Key Suspects in Robeson County Mass Shooting; Arrests Still Pending

In the early hours of Saturday, a Halloween party in Robeson County,…

Five Injured in Shooting Near Howard University During Homecoming Week; Two Arrested

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — In a troubling incident near Howard University…

Texas Woman Allegedly Embezzles $30K from Car Dealership for TikTok Shopping Spree

In Lubbock, Texas, Mashell Badley, aged 55, was taken into custody on…

Democrats Criticize Administration for Holding Back SNAP Funds: ‘A Disturbing Neglect of Responsibility

Leading House Democrats sharply criticized the Trump administration on Friday evening, accusing…

Week 11 Thrills: Top Scores and Highlights from Friday Night Blitz 2025

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Welcome to the eleventh week of Friday Night Blitz!…

Experience Spooktacular Thrills at North Augusta’s Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Halloween Festival

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – The streets are set to come alive with…

Transforming Lives: TLC Center’s Ambitious Expansion Plans for a New Teen Hub in Carter Co.

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – The TLC Center in Elizabethton is setting its…

Aunt Remarks on the Striking Resemblance in Photos of Melodee Buzzard

An aunt of the missing 9-year-old, Melodee Buzzard, has expressed her belief…

Honoring History: WWII Veteran Finally Laid to Rest 81 Years After Pacific Disappearance

The remains of a United States Navy Ensign, tragically lost near Yap…

Colombian Grandmothers Finally Celebrate Their Dream Quinceañeras

BOGOTÁ – At 72 years young, Rosalba Casas finally had the opportunity…

Friday Night Football Fever Ignites Excitement on October 24, 2025

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The curtain closed on the high school football…

Rincon Residents to Vote on Potential Changes to Liquor Regulations

Residents of Effingham County, Georgia, will soon cast their votes on a…