Recovery and Resilience Through Trails: A Testament to Community Strength in the Great Trails State Post-Helene

A trail work crew stands on a log

A Crew from Pisgah Area SORBA, after a large workday cleaning up hurricane debris from trails in Pisgah National Forest

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the landscapes and communities of Western North Carolina have faced an unprecedented test. The storm’s damage was catastrophic, altering the southern Appalachian region in unimaginable ways—forests flattened, homes and livelihoods lost, streams and rivers rerouted, trails obliterated, and countless lives disrupted in ways impossible to imagine. Amidst this devastation, the importance of trails has only grown, serving not just as recreational paths but as vital arteries in the region’s healing and economic recovery.

Trail Folk Strong: Volunteers and the Path to Recovery in Western NC

In the weeks after Hurricane Helene, the damage across western North Carolina was stark, particularly in the vast area of Pisgah National Forest, stretching from Brevard to Blowing Rock, and the need for a coordinated recovery effort was critical. With countless communities broken, lives lost, and businesses shattered, the focus for the first several weeks was responding to friends and neighbors. While help from around the country poured in, the people in The Great Trails State rallied together to help one another. In those moments, discussing trail recovery surely seemed trivial to some, yet for those living in the impact zones, the trails offer a semblance of normalcy and a path to recovery. In communities that rely on trails, they have proven to be key to recovery, and the volunteers who steward and maintain hundreds of miles of trails have led the way.

The role of volunteers working to re-establish and reopen trails over the last several months has been nothing short of monumental. The swift action by local groups, including Pisgah Area SORBA, the Carolina Mountain Club, Backcountry Horsemen of Pisgah, Carolina Climber’s Coalition, and numerous other organizations, who have logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours clearing and reopening trails, has been pivotal in reopening much of the affected area in Pisgah National Forest, especially the southernmost region of the forest between Asheville and Brevard.

At the same time, staff and volunteers have been tirelessly working with members from other organizations, including the National Guard, to reopen state facilities. The popular DuPont State Forest between Hendersonville and Brevard has now largely reopened, providing yet another opportunity for recreation in the Western NC region. While many areas have partially or fully reopened, many have not, and the path to recovery will be measured in years, not months. 

The northern areas of Pisgah National Forest, including Linville Gorge and Wilson Creek, sustained more severe damage. Thanks to the work of the USFS, partner organizations, and volunteers, trails have started to reopen in the Grandfather District. However, some areas of the Forest, especially in the Appalachian Ranger District closer to Burnsville and Spruce Pine, along with Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains State Parks, remain closed at this time. 

The Long Road Ahead

Some of these places will likely take years to reopen due to extensive damage to roads, trails, ecosystems, and infrastructure that needs to be addressed. Amidst all of this, volunteers are key to the path forward. Reestablishing trails that are covered in trees and debris and even missing in places due to landslides and debris flows will take a coordinated effort and countless volunteer hours. 

Western North Carolina’s economy is reliant on tourism to survive. It’s reliant on trails. The economic ramifications of Helene are profound and many businesses, especially those reliant on tourism, have faced the grim prospect of not being able to stay open. Many others are doing all they can to avoid going down that path, but the reality of months of lost income is something many are having to face. Right now, visiting open areas and supporting local businesses is crucial. It is likely the most valuable thing anyone can do to help the local economy and boost morale.

 

How Can You Help?

  • Visit Open Areas: Support the local economy by visiting areas that are open. Every meal, stay, and purchase helps. *Nearly all western NC communities are open. See Visit NC’s travel advisory map for updates: https://www.visitnc.com/advisory/cAdA/hurricane-helene-travel-advisory
  • Volunteer: Engage with local organizations to help with trail maintenance and recovery efforts. Support them financially and with notes of gratitude, too!
  • Donate: Contribute to local recovery funds and businesses to aid in their rebuilding efforts.
  • Stay Informed: Follow updates from The Great Trails State Coalition and other reputable local organizations to stay informed about open areas, volunteer opportunities, and community needs. Local trail organizations such as the ones listed above consistently share pertinent information. 

The road to recovery is daunting, yet through the collective efforts of volunteers, organizations, and supportive visitors, Western North Carolina can hope to rebound stronger than ever. The trails, once a source of recreation, now also symbolize resilience and recovery, echoing the indomitable spirit of the communities they weave through in The Great Trails State.