PILOT MOUNTAIN — North Carolina’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources has announced the reopening of Pilot Mountain State Park.

Previously, the park was closed by an uncontrolled woodlands fire which began Nov. 8. The blaze began as a prescribed fire which escaped lines when embers blew from a dead tree into steep terrain.

The park’s campground, picnic area and most overlooks are now available to visitors. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Charlie Peek indicated closed portions of the trail system will be evaluated in coming days for reopening. The Grassy Ridge Trail, Corridor Trail and River Section also are open.

Peek said the principal overlook at Little Pinnacle, the climbing area and some trails remain off-limits to visitors as mop-up efforts continue. He said park staff and the N.C. Forest Service continue to monitor a 675-acre area affected by the fire as well as containment lines, and some damaged trees near the mountain’s summit are being removed.