In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Pisgah National Forest bore witness to flooded creeks, landslides, and trails obstructed by fallen trees. However, the Pisgah Ranger District—165,000 acres of dense forest and winding trails—dodged the worst of it.
On October 18, the district reopened its gates to the public, as U.S. Forest Service employees and volunteers tirelessly worked to clear debris and restore the trails. District Ranger Dave Casey spoke to the Citizen Times during a forest visit saying, “We were trying to open as soon as possible so people could come back out. It’s their land anyway. We need to have a really good reason if we keep it closed.”
The decision to reopen didn't come lightly. Casey extensively consulted local communities to ensure their support. With October being the second most popular month for visitors, driven by the stunning fall foliage Western North Carolina is famed for, it was crucial to get things up and running again.
On a clear mid-October Friday afternoon, visitors were already trickling back into the park for the first time since Helene's destructive passage on September 27. Despite the forest's relative resilience, the storm claimed 95 lives and left a trail of devastation in its wake.
Although parts of the forest are still closed, several campgrounds reopened on October 18, including Davidson River Campground & Recreation Area, Cove Creek Upper & Lower Campgrounds, among others. Yet, visitors are urged to exercise caution as they may encounter hazards including landslides, fallen trees, washed out trails and bridges, and rough roads.
As recovery efforts continue, the resilience of Pisgah National Forest stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the community and the enduring beauty of nature.