Blue Ridge Parkway

Approaching the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene, conservation organizations and land managers continue their work rebuilding outdoor spaces that fuel ecotourism in western North Carolina. They're also fortifying them against future severe weather events.

Environmental activists and some citizens are expressing their concerns over what they're calling the National Park Service's “hazardous fuel reduction” plans.

The effort to protect Grandmother Mountain dates back three decades.

The holiday marks the opening of many campgrounds, picnic areas and visitor centers along the Parkway. But there are still a number of maintenance and road projects underway, many related to Hurricane Helene repairs.

Around 35 miles from Linville Gorge to Mount Mitchell State Park are still under construction.

According to a small business survey, 93 percent of the businesses impacted by Helene have since reopened, but economic uncertainty and the lingering government shutdown are blocking the road to full recovery.

Citizen volunteers confirmed that the scenic drive is open from Virginia down to Linville Falls without interruption.

The National Park Service has also reopened about four miles of the Parkway in the Bamboo Gap area near Boone following damage from Helene.

The stretch had been closed due to a landslide and debris from Helene.

After road work was set to close large sections over the next several months, an agreement was reached to delay the shutdown until after tourist season ends in the fall.