Last Updated on May 22, 2026 6:10 pm
The Elk River Falls area on Pisgah National Forest has reopened to the public, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
The U.S. Forest Service announced the reopening Friday, saying contractors had completed removal of remaining storm debris and repaired damage along the Elk River corridor following impacts from Hurricane Helene. The cleanup effort removed more than 12,500 cubic yards of debris from the area, including tires, appliances, propane tanks, and woody material washed in by the storm. Heavy equipment crews removed a total of more than 85,000 cubic yards of vegetative storm debris from the Elk River Falls area overall, including 107 cubic yards of tires.
The work restored natural conditions and safe public access to one of the High Country's most popular waterfall destinations on the Appalachian Ranger District.
Safety Warning
The Forest Service is urging visitors to exercise extreme caution at the falls. Rocks near the water are often slick, currents can be stronger than they appear, and conditions may have changed since previous visits.
The agency issued a specific warning about Elk Falls: the falls have turbulent hydraulics and a strong undercurrent that can trap even a skilled swimmer. Swimming, wading, and jumping in the water directly above or below the falls is strongly discouraged.
Heavy equipment crews removed more than 85,000 cubic yards of vegetative storm debris from Elk River Falls area to help safely reopen the site to the public. USDA Forest Service photo by Jenifer Barnhart.
Clean up crews also removed 107 cubic yards of tires from the area during restoration work. USDA Forest Service photo by Jenifer Barnhart
