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.