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Helene

 

Hurricane Helene

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene moved through the mountains of Western North Carolina resulting in one of the worst disasters in the area's recorded history. Heavy winds and rainfall had an unprecedented impact on the region, particularly impacting the communities in and around Pisgah National Forest. 

Our partners at the National Forest Foundation created a story map to describe the vast damage and impacts caused by Hurricane Helene. 

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Line of USFS Firefighters pass boxes of supplies from a trailer to pallet

US Forest Service Fire crews help unload relief supplies following Hurricane Helene. 

USDA Forest Service photo

Aftermath on the National Forests in North Carolina

Using satellite data, aerial surveying and on-the-ground assessments, our data found that Hurricane Helene cause moderate-to-catastrophic damage on more than 190,000 acres of National Forest land. 

Additional impacts included: 

  • 885 miles of roads severely impacted, with 30% of roadbeds completely destroyed
  • An estimated 48 road bridges damaged or destroyed
  • 43 major culverts in need of restoration
  • Approximately 850 miles of trails damaged, including 171 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Nearly all recreation sites on the Pisgah National Forest received some level of damage, with several catastrophically damaged. 

In the months following the storm USDA Forest Service crew and partner organizations have made progress in clearing trails and reopening roads and recreation areas. Crews continue to work throughout the Pisgah National Forest. The public should use extra caution when visiting the area and be aware of current closure orders.

Volunteering 
Explore volunteer opportunities with our partners who are actively supporting recovery efforts in Pisgah National Forest. These dedicated organizations are assisting with storm-related assessments, cleanup, and fundraising. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for the many individuals who have devoted their time, money, and resources to support our forests.


Organizations Accepting Volunteers:
 

•The Pisgah Conservancy
•Naventure
•FIND Outdoors
•Carolina Mountain Club
•Back Country Horsemen of Pisgah
•Carolina Climbers Coalition
•Trout Unlimited 
•Transylvania County Extension Master Gardeners
•Pisgah Area SORBA
•Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina 

 

Closures

Last updated July 14th, 2025

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