9 Months Closed, Now Open: Inside Chimney Rock Park's Helene Recovery with Emily Walker

When Hurricane Helene hit, most people wondered if Chimney Rock Park would ever be the same. After nine months of closure, the answer is yes, and then some.I sit down with Emily Walker, General Manager at Chimney Rock State Park, to talk about what actually happened the day the storm hit, how her team pivoted to keep the mission alive, and what it looks like to fully reopen one of Western North Carolina's most beloved landmarks.In this conversation, we cover:The day before Helene and why evacuating the animals first may have been the smartest decision they madeWhat it felt like to see the park for the first time after the stormHow the education team kept going, bringing animal programs to schools, museums, and libraries while the park was darkTater the groundhog and why their 20th Groundhog Day event was the most attended in park historyWhat is open right now including daily wildlife programs every weekday at 2pm, all trails, the elevator, both shops, and the deliJuly 4th weekend events featuring historic games, flag crafts, and a flag retirement ceremony tied to America 250Annual passes for just $34 and why they are the best deal in Western North CarolinaThe park's full history from its Grand Opening on July 4, 1916 all the way to todayChimney Rock is not just a state park. It is a community anchor, a natural treasure, and one of the most resilient places in Western North Carolina. If you have been waiting to visit, there is no reason to wait any longer. Both main roads are open. The village is open. Lake Lure is open. The park is ready for you.Plan Your Visit:➡️ https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/plan-...Upcoming Events at Chimney Rock Park:➡️ https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/event...Stay Connected and Join the Work in Western North CarolinaInstagram:➡️ instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources and How to Help:➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govChapters:[00:00] Introduction: Emily Walker and Chimney Rock Park[00:28] Hurricane Helene: The Day Before the Storm[01:23] Evacuating the Animals and Closing the Park[02:23] The Morning of Helene and Losing Communication[03:24] First Time Back in the Park on October 2nd[04:13] How the Team Pivoted Fast[05:39] Taking Education Programs on the Road[06:41] Tater and the 20th Groundhog Day[07:57] Daily Wildlife Programs This Summer[09:26] Annual Passes and Added Value Programs[10:51] How to Get to the Park Right Now[11:53] July 4th Weekend Programming[13:47] The Energy in Chimney Rock Village Today[14:29] Park History Going Back to 1916[15:26] The Morse Family and the Sale to the State[17:11] What Makes This Park Unlike Any Other in NC[18:08] Everything That Is Open Right Now[19:13] Website and How to Stay Connected#ChimneyRockPark #WesternNorthCarolina #HurricaneHelene #WNCRecovery #WNCStrong #NatureEducation #FamilyTravel #NorthCarolina #StatePark #HickoryNutGorge #LakeLure #Resilience #OutdoorFamilies #Naturalist