Wild South

08/04/2025

As the mountain region economy rebuilds after Hurricane Helene, there is urgent need for recovery of National Forest roads. In Burke County, Forest Road 99 to Table Rock is an essential part of the $138M (2023) tourism sector. To help recover this road, more than a hundred volunteers have been tackling the tasks that can only be done by hand, and they've cleared hurricane debris from clogged ditches and culverts to prevent more rain damage.
Community volunteers have been helped by the amazing:
North Carolina Outward Bound School
Camp Lutherock
Lutheran Disaster Response in the Carolinas
National Forests in North Carolina Grandfather Ranger District

07/11/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Elk River Falls officially reopened Today!

Since Hurricane Helene, Wild South has been working alongside the U.S. Forest Service and other dedicated partners to help restore access to this beloved destination. Elk River Falls is more than just a scenic landmark—it’s a local treasure cherished by both visitors and the surrounding community.

This milestone would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of so many. We’re especially grateful for the support of Linville Central Rescue Squad, Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina, and our incredible Wild South volunteers, who helped remove debris and restore the area with care and commitment.

The reopening of Elk River Falls is not only a win for public access—it’s a powerful symbol of the strength and resilience of the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. This is what happens when people come together to care for one another and our shared public lands.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this moment. Remember to enjoy it, value it, and protect it when you visit. 💚

Linville-Central Rescue Squad U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina

04/25/2025

Volunteers cutting Hurricane Helene trees off the Linville Gorge Trail south of Bynum Bluff.

04/17/2025

Volunteering on the trails gets us in the woods in a deeper way. It also puts us shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest folks in public service. Shout out to the US Forest Service crosscut sawyers coming in from all over the country to help community volunteers restore Linville Gorge Wilderness trails after Hurricane Helene.

04/03/2025

This week, we partnered with the USFS to clear Rock Creek Park of nearly a dozen blowdowns! But this is just the beginning—there’s still a lot of work to do in the Unaka Mountain Wilderness.

The good news? Rock Creek Falls Trail, Hemlock Trail, and the Bike Loop are now all easily passable!

We’ll be crosscutting in Unaka Mountain Wilderness every Tuesday this month, and we could use some extra hands! If you’re interested in helping, email [email protected]

02/14/2025

If everything in our community was destroyed in a natural disaster, what would we rebuild first? In our hearts we answer, "All of it!". We have to listen to the heart. The heart's courage may be the greatest human virtue in tough times. That courage keeps us going, brings us together to overcome odds. So together we help our neighbors with shelter, water, food, medical care. Gradually we rebuild roads, bridges, driveways. Soon we realize the local economy is in crisis, property and livelihoods destroyed. We're also gripped by a crisis of spirit, with many of our churches, heritage sites, and natural areas lost. That's where we find ourselves now in the mountain region in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We're still helping each other, remembering that it's always been hard to make a living here, and we're thinking about why we love these mountains so much.

For a month now, Wild South has coordinated efforts to repair the trail leading to Daffodil Flats in Linville Gorge on the U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina. For the mountain region, National Forest is many things to many people -- cornerstone of the local economy, source of drinking water for millions, and the place we go to hunt, fish, hike, bike, ride our horses, and recharge our spirit so we can face a life that ain't always easy.

Dozens of community volunteers have worked extremely hard for weeks so others can access this inspiring area. Their courage and efforts are inspiring too.

12/03/2024

At Wild South, we believe in helping people enjoy, value, and protect the places we call home—especially in times of crisis. Hurricane Helene left a devastating impact on our program areas in western North Carolina and East Tennessee, and we are on the ground, working diligently to support those affected. From delivering supplies, setting up campers for people who lost everything, to hauling gravel so families can regain access to their homes, we are committed to standing by our community.

Thanks to the generosity of a matching donor, every dollar you give today will be doubled, making an even greater impact. Your donation ensures we can continue this vital work for as long as it’s needed.

Together, we can rebuild and restore hope. Please consider donating this Giving Tuesday to double your impact and help us continue making a difference.

Check our story for photos and videos of our recent activity .

protect the South’s wild lands and rivers. Double your impact by donating today! All donations are being matched! I support the Wild South Community Conservation Corps as they restore mountain…

12/02/2024

12/02/2024

There are thousands of trees down on the trails of Linville Gorge Wilderness. Community volunteers are focusing first on those trails that can be re-opened relatively quickly.

11/22/2024

Patrick, a longtime boater and caretaker of the Poplar put-in , lost his home to the devastating floodwaters of Hurricane Helene. The community also faced a significant loss when the boat launch was destroyed, cutting off access to this spectacular stretch of water.

In the face of these challenges, Patrick chose to give back in an inspiring way. Where his home once stood, he has opened up the space to create a new parking lot, ensuring paddlers can continue to enjoy the gorge.

Wild South was honored to partner with Patrick by donating two dump truck loads of gravel to help finish the parking lot, making it safer and more accessible for the public.

Patrick’s generosity reminds us of the power of resilience and community. Let’s continue to support one another as we rebuild together.

11/21/2024

Wild South volunteers have been surveying National Forest trail damage for weeks. Now they're clearing trails so the Forest Service can reopen them.

11/03/2024

Many hands, light work! Wild South volunteers tackled a challenging cleanup of a flooded home this week near Old Fort, NC. Working together with a team of off-duty marines, a church group from Indiana, and two crews from Baptists on Mission, they demonstrated that by working together we will recover!