Restoring Access to the Nolichucky River
Hurricane Helene caused severe damage to recreation infrastructure across the Southern Appalachians, including the Poplar Boat Launch on the Pisgah National Forest.
Through the Southern National Forests Recovery Fund, the National Forest Foundation is partnering with the Forest Service to rebuild this cherished river access point and restore safe, resilient recreation for local communities and visitors.
Restoring a Beloved Recreation Site
Poplar Boat Launch provides critical access to the Nolichucky River for paddlers, anglers, and the local outfitting community. Located near the North Carolina–Tennessee state line, the site serves as an important gateway to outdoor recreation and a key contributor to the local economy.
Hurricane Helene destroyed much of the original launch and surrounding infrastructure, cutting off river access for both businesses that rely on seasonal recreation for their livelihoods and visitors from near and far who come to enjoy the Nolichucky River. This project focuses on fully rebuilding the site so it can safely reopen and continue serving the community.
Building Back Safer and More Resilient
The rebuilt Poplar Boat Launch is designed to be safer, more accessible, and better prepared for future flooding. Improvements include a reconfigured boat launch area, upgraded parking for vehicles and trailers, a dedicated small watercraft ramp, and new amenities such as restrooms and a picnic pavilion.
Designs also incorporate native vegetation, improved stormwater management, and permanent erosion control measures to strengthen the site’s resilience to extreme weather while protecting the river and surrounding landscape.
Part of a Broader Recovery Effort
Rebuilding Poplar Boat Launch is part of the Southern National Forests Recovery Fund, a coordinated effort to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene and rebuild stronger, more resilient recreation infrastructure across the region.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the goal of reopening the site in time for the spring recreation season. By restoring access to the Nolichucky River, this project supports outdoor recreation, local livelihoods, and long-term stewardship of public lands.
Your support helps rebuild recreation sites, restore access to public lands, and strengthen community resilience after natural disasters. Together, we can ensure places like the Nolichucky River remain accessible for generations to come.
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