YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Mount Mitchell State Park has reopened for the first time since Tropical Storm Helene, coinciding with the reopening of a key section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, officials announced Sunday.

The National Park Service said landslide repairs have been completed at mileposts 375 and 380, allowing traffic again between milepost 382 in Asheville and milepost 355.3 at Ridge Junction Overlook near N.C. 80, the entrance to Mount Mitchell.

The reopening restores access to popular destinations in the Craggy Gardens area, including the visitor center, Craggy Pinnacle Trail and portions of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and trail sections between the Craggy Trail Shelter and Snowball Mountain Trail remain closed.

Mount Mitchell is the last of North Carolina’s state parks to at least partially reopen after Helene’s damage. Most trails inside the park are accessible, except for a section of the Old Mitchell Trail between the park office and Camp Alice Trail. Several connecting trails in Pisgah National Forest are also still closed, and officials urged hikers to check the U.S. Forest Service website for the latest updates.

The parkway remains shut down between Mount Mitchell and milepost 334 near Little Switzerland, so visitors approaching from the east and north must enter near Asheville. Park officials recommend travelers plan for a 70-mile round trip with no nearby gas stations.

Within the park, tent campsites and the restaurant are closed until further notice. A concession stand will operate on weekends, and the gift shop is expected to reopen once staffing is secured.

Repairs are still ongoing, and visitors are asked to use caution on roads and trails.

A reopening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18.