Last Updated on March 18, 2026 4:13 pm
The Elk River Falls Area on the Pisgah National Forest is temporarily closed effective Wednesday, March 18, for the next phase of Hurricane Helene debris removal.
The closure, announced by the U.S. Forest Service, includes the Elk River Trail, Elk River Falls, and Elk River Road within the closure area in Avery County. The projected timeline for the work to be completed and the area to reopen is late spring 2026.
Elk River Falls, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, is a 65-foot waterfall known locally as Big Falls. The area is a popular summer destination for hikers and visitors to the High Country.
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September 2024, leaving the Elk River corridor clogged with debris and the trails blocked by downed trees. Last summer, Wild South, NC Waterfall Keepers, U.S. Forest Service staff, and volunteers removed significant storm debris from the Elk River Falls Trail and the base of the falls, allowing the area to reopen in July 2025. However, additional cleanup is still needed above and below the falls.
This next phase of work will focus on removing remaining debris and storm damage along the Elk River corridor. The work will be completed by a contractor to help ensure the area is further restored for public use.
Visitors planning to access Elk River Falls should plan accordingly, as the area will not be accessible until late spring 2026. The official closure order and map are available through the Forest Service website.
(Information provided by the U.S. Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina)
