The U.S. Forest Service has announced the reopening of significant portions of trails and roads across the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. This progress impacts areas within Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties, improving access for both the public and local residents.
Since the storm, the Forest Service, with crucial support from partners and volunteers, has successfully cleared 137 miles of trails within the Appalachian Ranger District. This accounts for 42% of the district’s entire trail system. Notably, more than 114 miles of the Appalachian Trail located within the Pisgah National Forest are now accessible. Beyond trails, the Forest Service has also surveyed and cleared nearly 240 miles of roads across the district to date, representing almost 76% of its roads.
Appalachian Ranger District Jen Barnhart expressed gratitude for the collective effort. She acknowledged the significant contribution of volunteers and partners in tackling the difficult work of clearing trails and roads to safely welcome the public back. Barnhart also noted that while “there’s still a lot of work ahead of us,” volunteers have demonstrated their dedication to seeing the Pisgah National Forest recover from Helene.
Specific sections of the Appalachian Trail are now open on the Pisgah National Forest. These include the stretch from I-40 to Indian Grave Gap, spanning mileposts 241.3 to 351.8, which crosses Haywood, Madison, and Yancey counties. Additionally, the trail is open from Hughes Gap to Carvers Gap to Doll Flats, covering mileposts 373.1 to 390.9, located in Mitchell and Avery counties. In Yancey and Buncombe counties, a segment of the Big Butt Trail from the Highway 197 trailhead (Cane River Gap) to the Little Butt viewpoint has been reopened. Furthermore, all trails within Haywood and Madison counties are now open to visitors.
Despite these substantial reopening efforts, several trails and roads continue to be closed to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing recovery work. A portion of the Big Butt Trail, specifically from the Little Butt viewpoint to the Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead, remains inaccessible. In Haywood County, the Harmon Den Campground is slated to open in May, coinciding with its regular operating season from May through October. However, other developed recreation sites and various campgrounds throughout the district remain closed due to the damage sustained during Hurricane Helene. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid all closed roads and trails and stay out of any closed developed recreation sites. This precaution is necessary because crews and heavy equipment may be actively working in these areas. The Forest Service stresses that individuals should not attempt to bypass any road closure signs or closed trail gates.
