Two Years After Helene

Water moves down the South Toe River much more quietly today than it did nearly two years ago, when Hurricane Helene sent high, rushing water through the watershed, reshaping beloved recreation areas and aquatic habitat.

Today, the river winds through the same landscape at a gentler pace. Around it, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge.

From Black Mountain Campground and surrounding trails to the cold-water habitat used by hellbenders and trout, nearly every part of the South Toe watershed on the Pisgah National Forest felt Helene’s effects. Recovery has taken many forms, from rebuilding recreation infrastructure, removing debris, to protecting wildlife and clearing trails.