In the months since Helene, the Rutherford County Trails Collaborative has worked diligently to assess damage to trail systems in the county—bringing together local leaders, nonprofit organizations, parks staff, and dedicated volunteers to coordinate recovery and chart a path forward. Formed with a shared commitment to the future of Rutherford County’s trail systems, the Collaborative is a powerful confluence of grassroots effort and strategic partnerships.
Clearing the Way
At Buffalo Creek Park, managed by the Town of Lake Lure, members of the Trails Collaborative organized volunteer crews to begin clearing damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Their efforts reflect the spirit of community-led recovery that took shape across Rutherford County in the storm’s aftermath—seen in other initiatives like Back to Beautiful, a campaign dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing the historic destination towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village.
The Collaborative has hosted 12 volunteer workdays at Buffalo Creek Park, logging more than 550 hours of hands-on effort. Volunteers cleared fallen trees, built temporary reroutes, and made significant progress in clearing sections of the trail network. Thanks to their work, the trail that extends from the parking area to the top of the Upper Boulders Trail will soon be open.
In other parts of the park, the damage was more extensive. Two major debris flows ripped across the trail network, impacting four sections of the Buffalo Creek Park Loop Trail. Landslides also affected Weed Patch Mountain Trail and the connector routes to Grey Rock Overlook and Eagle Rock, leaving them impassable. The terrain in these areas is steep and unstable, and restoring full access will require professional equipment, skilled trail builders, and careful planning.
Collaborative members crafted a careful plan and—with support from local agencies, volunteers, and funders—is moving forward with a phased approach to full trail restoration.
Trail Restoration at Buffalo Creek Park
Phase 1 of the restoration effort focuses on repairing the north side of the Buffalo Creek Park Loop Trail, the Upper Boulders Trail, and the upper section of Weed Patch Mountain Trail. These repairs are essential for restoring safe, sustainable access to key areas of the park while preserving the character and natural integrity of the trails themselves.
Work includes rebuilding damaged tread, rerouting around unstable terrain, and making critical drainage improvements to prevent future erosion. These upgrades will not only reconnect important trail segments but also protect them from repeat damage in future storms.
Phase 2 will shift focus to the south side of the Loop Trail and the longer routes that lead to iconic destinations like Grey Rock Overlook and Eagle Rock. The Collaborative continues to work through the logistics of these repairs with an eye toward long-term stewardship—ensuring that today’s efforts lay the foundation for trails that are safe, scenic, and resilient for years to come.
Collaborative Progress Across the County
The Rutherford County Trails Collaborative continues to make strides—supporting both long-term recovery efforts and new opportunities for outdoor access.
On the Broad River Paddle Trail, two new access points—located at US 221 and US 221A—are set to officially open in July. These additions will expand safe, legal entry to a 41-mile stretch of the river, giving paddlers, anglers, and families more flexibility to explore.
Work is also moving forward on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail, which will eventually link trail systems across multiple counties. With construction underway in Rutherford County, the project reflects the impact of Collaborative members like Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, who have helped secure key land and resources to make this regional connection possible.
Each of these milestones represents the collaboration and forward-thinking that defines the Trails Collaborative—where long-term vision meets on-the-ground action.
Investing in What Connects Us
In Rutherford County, our trails and rivers aren’t just recreational assets—they’re threads in the fabric of everyday life. They connect residents to each other, to nature, and to the history and culture that shape western North Carolina. They also support small businesses, and attract visitors to our region.
The work of the Trails Collaborative reflects the values that define Rutherford County: community, conservation, and a shared investment in the future.
Want to support local trail restoration or stay informed on upcoming volunteer opportunities?
