The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced the closing of the deal on Thursday in which the state bought 2,456 acres surrounding the popular attraction. The acreage is now officially North Carolina’s newest state park.

In March, the N.C. General Assembly unanimously approved the sale and Gov. Beverly Perdue signed the proposal into law on Marsh 31.

Although the state now owns the backcountry area of Grandfather Mountain, the Morton family will continue to operate the landmark as a non-profit in a deal that was announced in September.

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