With the arrival of summer, thousands of people in North Carolina are getting ready to enjoy the water. But this season, the rivers from the west of the state are not as they used to be.
El Hurricane Helene, which hit the region on September 27, 2024, caused flooding, damage to roads, fallen trees, and accumulation of debris.
Nine months later, experts warn that risks remain on several stretches of Western North Carolina's most visited rivers.
“There is still trash under the sand that can pose a risk to those who sail or go into the water without protection,” he warned. Enlace Latino NC Anna Alsobrook, French Broad Riverkeeper.
Alsobrook is part of the team of MountainTrue, an Asheville-based environmental organization. Alsobrook and other Riverkeepers—people tasked with monitoring the health of rivers in each watershed—have been touring the affected areas since the storm.
According to reports provided to this media outlet, there are places where the riverbed has completely changed, where branches and logs have accumulated, and where the usual access routes are closed or deteriorated.
“It’s important to wear closed-toe shoes at all times,” insisted Erica Shanks, Green Riverkeeper"There are loose branches, unstable rocks, and buried trash. You can't see it, but it's there," he told Enlace Latino NC .
For his part, the most recent report by Kevin Colburn, director of conservation at American Whitewater, warns that the Helene's impact It was especially strong in the Green, Pigeon and French Broad rivers.
He also warned about machinery working inside the rivers of Western North Carolina and about the side effects of reconstruction work on the interstate 40, which include diversions, rock buildup and changes in the channel.
What risks persist in the rivers of the west?
The changes brought about by Hurricane Helene not only affected roads and structures, but also altered the internal conditions of many rivers. Some banks collapsed, debris accumulated on the bottom, and downed trees and loose branches remain, potentially carrying the current.
In addition, leaks from damaged septic systems were reported, which may still be affecting the water quality.
“There are objects underwater that can cut, hit, or trip a person,” Alsobrook explained. “Sometimes, even in places that seem safe, the river bottom is no longer the same.”
The MountainTrue team also noted that heavy machinery operation by state agencies and power companies continues at several locations, which can lead to unexpected situations.
However, far from discouraging the community, The Riverkeepers invite you to continue visiting the rivers from Western North Carolina.
“We want people to go to the river, but do so with caution, with closed-toe shoes, and knowing what to expect.” "It's a way for us to stay safe and continue enjoying these spaces, which are also part of our daily lives," said Erica Shanks.
Andy Hill, Watauga Riverkeeper, agreed: "We want people to be aware of these changes so they can enjoy the river safely. That's why it's so important to get informed before you go."
Related: Tips for Swimming Safely in North Carolina Rivers
What to keep in mind this summer before going to the river?
Although many areas are open, experts advise caution. Not all hazards are visible. In calm stretches, there may be fragments of glass, metal, wood, or even trash buried underwater. There are also road closures, blocked entrances, and new conditions along the riverbanks.
Furthermore, there is less shade this summer than in previous years. “On the Green River, many areas that were once covered are now fully exposed to the sun,” Shanks explained. The hurricane and the cleanup efforts left bare areas where trees, forest, and dense vegetation once stood.
Therefore, Riverkeepers suggest bringing:
- Close shoes
- Lifejacket
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water and snacks
- Hat or light clothing
- Charged phone and notify a family member in advance of the location to be visited
Regarding water quality, Alsobrook warned that some treatment plants and septic systems remain incompletely repaired. “We recommend consulting swimguide.org o frenchbroadwaterquality.com before entering the water,” he said.
Changes in the main rivers of the west
French Broad River
Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties
Section 9 of the French Broad is one of the most popular runs for rafters or those just looking to cool off.
While the rapids haven't changed much, the surroundings have: "The removal of mountains of trash is still in progress," wrote Kevin Colburn. He also mentioned that access to places like Stackhouse, Barnard, and Hot Springs only reopened in March, following months of work by the Forest Service, MountainTrue, and local operators.
Alsobrook, for his part, warned of unseen risks: "In some sections, there is heavy machinery working near the river, and there may be leaks from damaged septic systems."
Green River
Polk and Henderson Counties
The Green River was one of the rivers in Western North Carolina hardest hit by the hurricane. “The rapids of the Narrows were altered, and nearly the entire gorge was also burned in a wildfire,” Colburn said.
In addition, the lower stretch of the river (where families go tubing or cool off) is being worked on by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is working with excavators and trucks to clear fallen trees.
Erica Shanks explained that the usual access is closed. “Entrance must be made from below, via Holbert Cove Road, Silver Creek Road, and Green River Cove Road.” She also warned about underwater debris: “You don't always see them, but they're there. There's trash under the sand and loose rocks. It's important for people to protect themselves.”
Pigeon River
Haywood County
The hurricane damaged both the hydroelectric plant and the access roads. According to the American Whitewater report, the plant was back online on April 1, but the first section of the recreational trail "was damaged by the storm and by excavations necessary to protect the plant."
Duke Energy has created a temporary entry point while the original is being repaired. The channel has also changed. “The course is now a bit more technical, lacking some of the waves and flat areas that existed before Helene,” Colburn wrote. Road work in the area continues and could further alter the environment.
Broad River
Cleveland and Rutherford Counties
Although the Broad River wasn't as severely affected as other rivers, risks remain. "There may be new debris underwater that you can't see," explained David Caldwell, Broad Riverkeeper. His team continues to monitor the area and assist with cleanup efforts. He also warned that some wastewater systems have not been fully restored.
Watauga River
Watauga and Ashe Counties
“There’s always the possibility of encountering unseen debris that can be dangerous,” said Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill. No major disturbances to the rapids have been reported on this river, but some sections are being used as work zones. There may be glass, metal, or submerged branches. Hill recommended wearing closed-toe shoes, checking that access is open, and not getting complacent even if the water appears clear.
What about other rivers?
On the Nolichucky River—which crosses Mitchell and Yancey counties—CSX Railroad attempted to modify the gorge's surroundings to rebuild its line. Thanks to legal action by environmental organizations, the damage was limited. However, access to the trailhead remains closed.
In Wilson Creek (Caldwell County), the Forest Service is maintaining a river closure at least through the end of summer due to road widening and clearing. Minor disturbances have also been reported on the Linville, Toe, and Cane rivers.
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Great info, thanks for sharing. I just wanted to ask, is there any way to know which specific sections are still the most dangerous so I can avoid surprises? Because it still makes you want to continue enjoying yourself, but without taking risks.