Climbing Access Restoration Update
The Helene C4 Crew and an amazing network of volunteers have been hard at work restoring climbing access across the region. Here's the latest:
- Rumbling Bald: The Helene C4 Crew, supported by volunteers, cleared debris from trails, boulder problems and climbing approach area at the Family Wall, Cereal Buttress, and more. Steps have been rebuilt on the Comatose approach, and the base of the Cereal Buttress is under restoration. Trails from Cave Boulder to Screamweaver and Flakeview Areas, as well as the East Side Boulders, including the Politician and Driver areas, have been cleared of several downed trees. Several boulders had trees blocking safe passage and those trees have been cleared. Major thanks to volunteers and supporters of the Helene Relief Fund for making this possible. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina supplied critical funding for this project.
- Big Rock, SC: Over the past few months, the team has cleared downed trees, built locust steps, retaining walls, and leveled trail tread to reduce erosion. EcoForesters joined recently to complete a major staircase on the right-side reroute. Our work here is on going. Support from Pickens County Parks and Rec has been instrumental in these efforts.
- Table Rock, NC: In December and February, crew members cleared fallen trees on climber trails, filled a rootball hole, and assessed trail erosion. Stay tuned for Table Rock, NC Trail Days this Spring!
- Buffalo Creek: The Helene C4 Crew partnered with Conserving Carolina and groups like French Board River Academy and Paul Smith's College to widen trails, build locust berms and steps, and clear dozens of downed trees. A new trail to the Upper Boulders Area, funded by NC's Complete the Trails' Fund, is underway and will cut hiking time in half! This trail also sets the stage for future connectivity to the 100+ mile planned Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Please note that hiking and climbing at Buffalo Creek are not yet open. Stay tuned for updates!
- Buckeye Knob: In December and February, crew members teamed up with youth from Forest Wild to clear trees and fill rootball holes. Over 50 trees were cleared, and are now clear all the way to CCC land at Buckeye Knob. Trees have been cleared off the tops of boulders, including the V9 Boulder.
- Table Rock and Pumpkintown, SC: Helene C4 and many volunteers, including a large group from the 2024 South Carolina Climbers Festival, cleared over 100 downed trees and a huge amount of debris, regraded eroded areas, hardened compromised trail sections, and reopended climbing at Table Rock and Pumpkintown. This was a herculean effort! The new trail reroute to the Main Wall Areas is now cleared, as is the base of the Main Wall.
- Pace Cliffs: We have begun assessment of this area. It is currently inaccessible to the public but we will be working in the spring and summer to make it accessible again.
- Palmetto Conservancy Work: In December, the Helene C4 Crew was contracted by the Palmetto Conservancy to restore trails across South Carolina. This effort included work on SCDNR lands and SC State Parks, covering areas like Rock Mountain, Sassafras Mountain, Jocassee Gorges, Caesars Head State Park, and Jones Gap State Park. Stay tuned for updates as we continue restoring trails and advocating for climbing access across the region.
- Pisgah National Forest: cleared the fallen debris on the path to Fate Osteen, assessed all Looking Glass and John Rock climber access paths.
- McKinney Gap and Weaver Knob: Cleared fallen trees.
- Raven Rock: Rebuilt compromised steps and cleared fallen trees.
- Chimney Rock Village Boulders: Began revitalizing the trail.
- Crowders Mountain State Park: Worked with rangers to assess damage.
- Stone Mountain State Park: Worked with rangers to assess damage.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Communications with rangers on openings and closings.
- Linville Gorge: Trail assessments throughout the Gorge including MST leading to Short Off.
- Advocacy: Voicing our support to NC Senators and House members to support funding bills that include outdoor recreation infrastructure in federal disaster relief budgets.
These efforts have been made possible through the generous support of organizations like The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, which awarded the CCC $29,000, and the Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, which awarded $5,000 to support the Helene C4 Team's trail and climbing area rehabilitation projects. HUGE thanks to participants of the Soddy Daisy International Bouldering Competition and Chili Cook Off organized by the dream team of Triple Crown Bouldering, Ground Up Sales, Southeastern Climbers Coalition, and Stone Fort for raising over $8000 for Helene C4. And finally, a massive thank you also goes to the countless donors to the Helene Relief Fund - your contributions are driving this impactful work.
Get involved! Upcoming trail days at Rumbling Bald, Big Rock, Pilot and more offer opportunities to support this work! Sign up and stay updated at carolinaclimbers.org/events/calendar.
View photos of these restoration efforts here.