Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to National Forests in the southeastern United States, particularly in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests were among the hardest hit, with over 187,000 acres impacted.
Damage included extensive tree blowdowns and landslides across forested areas. This damage leads to disruptions in ecosystems, increased fire risks, loss of wildlife habitats, and threats to watershed health.
Recreation infrastructure in these forests also suffered heavily. Nearly 900 miles of Forest Service-managed roads and approximately 800 miles of trails were affected, with some trails completely washed out or blocked by debris. Key facilities, such as bridges and campgrounds, were severely damaged, limiting access and future recreation opportunities.
In response, the National Forest Foundation has established the Southern National Forest Recovery Fund. This fund will help unlock and leverage public resources and allow recovery efforts to begin quickly--restoring access, repairing damage, and supporting local economies that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation.