BURNSVILLE, N.C. – The first and oldest state park in North Carolina welcomed visitors once again on Monday, nearly a year after devastation caused by Hurricane Helene shut it down.

Located 30 miles northeast of Asheville , Mount Mitchell State Park was one of several state parks in western North Carolina to close due to Helene.

With the recent news of its reopening, every state park in the Tarheel State is now at least partially open, officials said.

Nearly all the trails in Mount Mitchell are cleared and open for visitors to use. Some exceptions include part of the Old Mitchell Trail and some connecting trails in the Pisgah National Forest.

Many facilities are at least partially open, according to park officials. However, tent campsites and the park restaurant are still closed for th

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