After The Storm

When Hurricane Helene barreled into western North Carolina in late September 2024, it unleashed some of the worst flooding the state has ever seen. Though downgraded to a tropical storm by landfall, Helene still dropped more than 30” of rain in parts of Yancey County, with rainfall rates exceeding 3 inches per hour in the hardest-hit zones. In Swannanoa, residents reported water rising over 4 feet in under an hour, catching entire neighborhoods off guard and washing away homes, cars, and businesses.

Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding trail systems were devastated. More than 187,000 acres of forest were affected, with 800 miles of trail and nearly 900 miles of Forest Service roads severely damaged or rendered impassable. Major routes like the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail suffered extensive washouts, downed trees, and collapsed bridges. Entire segments of singletrack vanished under landslides or were erased by floodwaters.

Economically, the toll was staggering. With an estimated $59 billion in statewide damage, Helene became North Carolina’s costliest natural disaster to date

Economically, the toll was staggering. With an estimated $59 billion in statewide damage, Helene became North Carolina’s costliest natural disaster to date. For mountain towns that rely heavily on outdoor tourism, fall revenue evaporated.

In the face of destruction, the community responded with grit and determination. Volunteer crews from groups like Pisgah Area SORBA mobilized quickly, logging thousands of hours to clear fallen trees, reestablish access, and rebuild washed-out trails. Despite the widespread destruction, many of Pisgah’s beloved trails were reopened to the public within weeks. However—news of the storm traveled faster than news of the recovery. Western North Carolina now faces a new challenge—encouraging past visitors to come and support the local economy as they move from recovery to revitalization.