Helene carved itself into the memory of Rutherford County, reshaping the landscape and the lives of those who call it home. Lake Lure’s waters were choked with debris and sediment. Chimney Rock Village—a pillar of the region’s tourism economy—was utterly demolished, its familiar downtown rendered unrecognizable. 

In the weeks and months that followed, the fortitude of Rutherford County’s residents galvanized a commitment to recovery. Now, at the one-year mark of the storm, we look back on what was lost, celebrate what has been rebuilt, and look forward to what lies ahead.

A Story of Resilience and a Heroic Recovery

A spirit of unity carried Rutherford County through its darkest days. Neighbors checked on each other, first responders made sure families were safe, and churches opened their doors to anyone in need. Strangers showed up with food, water, and supplies. And as the weeks stretched into months, help kept coming — from the 101st Airborne Division clearing mud from Chimney Rock storefronts, to volunteers from Spokes of Hope demolishing unsafe structures and rebuilding businesses, to the many Amish volunteers who helped restore homes and small businesses.

The scale of cleanup and recovery in Rutherford County has been momentous. This work was long, messy, and sometimes behind the scenes but now, one year later, Rutherford County is on the path to recovery.

• Lake Lure: Cleanup crews worked seven days a week, to remove 1.1 million tons of silt and sediment and 100,000 cubic yards of storm debris. At the height of operations, nearly 300 trucks carried material out of the gorge each day. The lake is expected to return to a normal water level by spring 2026, once dredging and shoreline repairs are complete.
  
  
• Chimney Rock Village: Within weeks of the storm, emergency sewer and water systems were stabilized. Crews and volunteers removed tons of mud, debris, and fallen trees from streets and storefronts. Nearly one-third of the Village’s businesses were destroyed, but over the past year many have reopened, welcoming back visitors to Main Street. The reopening of Chimney Rock State Park in June of 2025 further bolstered recovery, bringing vital tourism foot traffic back into town.
  
  
• Trails Collaborative: Across Rutherford County, landslides and erosion left trail systems fractured after Helene. Partners in the Rutherford County Trails Collaborative, an initiative of Rutherford Bound, took action to restore the region’s trail system—a cornerstone of the tourism economy and daily life for residents. At Buffalo Creek Park, the Collaborative hosted 12 volunteer workdays, logging over 550 hours to clear fallen trees, stabilize tread, and reopen access from the parking area to the Upper Boulders section. A phased plan is underway: Phase 1 will restore the north side of Buffalo Creek Loop, the Upper Boulders Trail, and Weed Patch Mountain Trail, while Phase 2 will address the south side and longer routes to Grey Rock Overlook and Eagle Rock.
  
  

Economic Support and Revitalization: Dozens of Gorge businesses have received grants or low-interest loans to cover storm losses, replace equipment, and welcome back customers. But financial recovery has gone beyond stopgap aid. The Back to Beautiful campaign and the Village’s Raise the Rock Recovery Action Plan, which identifies over a dozen potential recovery projects, are currently being implemented.

A Shared Milestone: One Year After Helene

On September 27, 2025, exactly one year after Hurricane Helene, residents and leaders from across Rutherford County and the State of North Carolina gathered in the Town of Lake Lure and in Chimney Rock Village to commemorate the event. The gatherings marked a shared milestone, reflecting progress in Chimney Rock Village, the Town of Lake Lure, and throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge. 

Neighbors, business owners, and leaders stood shoulder to shoulder in remembrance and celebration as local officials, government representatives, and other speakers shared remarks. Lake Lure Mayor Caroline Pritchett reminded the group gathered in Lake Lure of both what has been accomplished, and the work that is still ahead there: “This is a milestone. It is not the finish line. We are really appreciative of the incredible progress that’s been made, but we know there’s still a lot left to do.”

Community leaders cut a ceremonial ribbon in Lake Lure, a symbolic gesture and declaration that the Town is determined to welcome back visitors.

“We’d love to welcome all of our visitors back to town and let you know that we are open and ready for business,” said Kathy Hatfield of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

That afternoon, at the historic entrance to Chimney Rock State Park, the community gathered for another special commemorative event honoring the strength, resilience, and hard work shown in the wake of the storm. The program blended reflection with hope: music from local students, words from park rangers and civic leaders, and prayers of gratitude underscored how far the community has come and its determination to move the recovery process forward.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis offered words of encouragement and praise for the community’s ongoing recovery and growth. Reflecting on the county’s progress over the past year, he noted that the transformation taking place in Rutherford County is something few would have predicted just months ago. “I’m here because I care about Western North Carolina," he said. “I think prayers are being answered and I’m joyful in hope because of what I’m seeing here." Senator Tillis commended local leaders and residents for their resilience, optimism, and collaboration.

Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), remarked on the resilience of the people of Rutherford County, and the value of working together toward recovery. “The core of the recovery–where it starts and where it finishes–is with the incredible work of every single person,” said Calabria. “Everyone who has shown grit, determination, and kindness. We are so honored to have these amazing partners. It really does take everyone to recover.”

Building Back Better: The Raise the Rock Recovery Action Plan

Recovery efforts in Chimney Rock Village have centered on a clear vision: restore what was lost to Hurricane Helene while building in resilience and preserving the town’s familiar charm. “This community will be stronger, more cohesive, and more respected than it ever was,” said Peter O’Leary, Mayor of the Village. 

That resolve became the basis for the Raise the Rock Recovery Action Plan, a collaborative process involving residents, business owners, and civic leaders. Over the past year, the plan has moved from community input sessions to a fully adopted action plan which will guide the long-term recovery efforts in the village. 

That momentum was strengthened by new state and regional support, including a grant from the NC Department of Commerce to stabilize downtown’s business core and funding from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to help guide the restoration of the Rocky Broad River and the development of an exciting new riverwalk feature. 

The plan emphasizes three pillars: strengthening community resilience, ensuring efficient recovery, and promoting economic and environmental sustainability—a roadmap designed not only to restore Chimney Rock but to prepare it for the future.

Progress that Endures

Even through Hurricane Helene, Rutherford Bound’s vision has not wavered. The county has pressed forward with projects that strengthen community life, honor local heritage, and drive economic vitality:

• Broad River Paddle Trail: Two new access points, which opened in July 2025, have expanded opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the water.
  
  
• Legacy Soccer Park, Norris Park, and North Slope Skate & Ride: These recreation investments remain on track, creating spaces for connection, play, and healthy living.
  
  
• Rutherford County Trails Collaborative: Restoration and expansion efforts continue, ensuring trails remain a cornerstone of tourism and daily life.
  
  
• Colfax Cotton Gin Park: Plans are underway to transform this historic Ellenboro landmark into a community park that blends history with recreation.

Together, these projects reflect the persistence and collaborative spirit that has guided recovery and will continue to shape Rutherford County’s future.