Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail Reopens

The damage from Hurricane Helene was extensive, causing three massive landslides that obliterated entire sections of the trail and left a half-mile stretch buried under fallen trees. Reconstruction was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service, the G5 Trail Collective, and local contractors who worked to rebuild the trail and reroute segments to better withstand future storms. This project is one of the first to be completed under a new disaster recovery agreement that combines federal and local funding for stewardship efforts in Pisgah National Forest. The 3-mile Lower Heartbreak Ridge is a critical segment of a much larger vision: a 42-mile trail system designed to bolster the local economy and improve recreational access for the community. When connected with the upper portions, it forms the longest downhill mountain bike trail on the East Coast, descending nearly 4,300 vertical feet from near Mount Mitchell to Old Fort. The trail's closure created significant economic strain for Old Fort, where tourism saw a steep decline. The town's recent growth, which saw 20 new businesses open since 2022, is heavily dependent on visitors drawn to the National Forest's expanding trail network. The reopening is a key milestone in a broader initiative to establish Old Fort as a premier outdoor destination, a recognition already highlighted when Outside Magazine named it one of the "23 Places to Visit in 2024" because of its trail system. The larger project will ultimately feature 42 miles of new trails.