State parks, Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed

It finally feels like Fall outside, but getting out to see the changing leaves is going to be tougher this year. Mountain towns are still digging out of catastrophic damage, and the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed indefinitely. All North Carolina state parks west of I-77 are closed through at least Oct. 31, and that includes Crowders Mountain and Lake Norman state parks near Charlotte. And many popular hiking options like the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina remain fully or partially closed.