Rutherford County Welcomes You Back: One Year After Hurricane Helene

One Year Later, Our Resilience Runs Deep

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastating floods that reshaped lives and landscapes across Western North Carolina, especially in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. The storm left behind widespread damage, but also revealed something greater: the strength of a community determined to rebuild.

Now, one year later, Rutherford County is continuing its comeback—and we’re ready to welcome you back with open arms.

From scenic trails and historic downtowns to local shops, restaurants, and family-run inns, your visit plays a vital role in our recovery. Whether you’ve been here before or are discovering our mountain charm for the first time, now is the time to experience the beauty, resilience, and warmth of Rutherford County.

Small Towns, Big Heart: What’s Open Now

All communities in Rutherford County are open and welcoming visitors.

Open & Vibrant:

Rutherfordton, Forest City, Spindale, Ruth, Ellenboro, and Golden Valley were less affected by the storm and remain vibrant destinations for shopping, dining, lodging, and outdoor exploration.
Lake Lure is open for visitors, with local restaurants, shops, lodging, and attractions fully operational—even as lake restoration efforts continue behind the scenes.
Chimney Rock Village continues to rebuild with many shops and restaurants now open and welcoming guests.

Chimney Rock State Park Is Open:

We’re thrilled to share that Chimney Rock State Park is open to visitors! Enjoy iconic views, hiking trails, and educational programming while supporting local tourism.

Learn more: chimneyrockpark.com

Lake Lure Restoration: A Look Ahead

While the town of Lake Lure is open and thriving, the lake itself remains closed for public access due to ongoing restoration work after Hurricane Helene.

Target Reopening: Late Spring 2026 (May)
Reason for Closure: Severe sediment and storm debris compromised lake infrastructure and safety.
Current Status: Major sediment removal and infrastructure upgrades are underway in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and private contractors.

Lake Lure is currently a federal work site, and entry into the lake or lakebed is prohibited for everyone’s safety. Restoration progress is steady, and the return of the lake in 2026 will be a major milestone for the entire region.

Planning for the Future: Chimney Rock Master Plan

In addition to current recovery efforts, the Town of Chimney Rock Village has unveiled a bold vision for the future. Through thoughtful design, infrastructure investment, and community input, the Chimney Rock Village Master Plan offers a roadmap for resilience, beauty, and connectivity.

Learn more and view design renderings: raisetherock.com

Explore the Outdoors, Support the Comeback

Even without lake access, Rutherford County offers unforgettable outdoor adventures:

Hike the Chimney Rock Boulders Trail
Bike or walk the 13.5-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Paddle the Broad River or visit access points throughout the region
Join our Great Trails State Month celebrations throughout September

Discover more trip ideas: Trip Ideas & Outdoor Experiences

Getting Here: Know Before You Go

As recovery from Hurricane Helene continues across the region, safe and reliable access routes to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village remain open—and your visit matters now more than ever.

Open Routes to Lake Lure & Chimney Rock Village:

There are currently two open routes into the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village area:

Highway 64/74A from Rutherfordton
Highway 9 South from Polk County

These are the only open access points into the area at this time.

Closed Routes (Do Not Attempt):

Due to severe storm damage and ongoing infrastructure repair:

Highway 64 from Hendersonville is closed
Highway 9 North from Black Mountain is closed

Please do not attempt to enter via these closed routes, as they are inaccessible and unsafe.

For the most current updates on road conditions and closures in the region, we recommend checking:

DriveNC.gov – For statewide travel updates
Town of Lake Lure Website – For local announcements and progress reports

Want to Help? Here’s How

If you’d like to support our long-term recovery efforts, please consider donating to:

Rutherford Bound – Disaster Recovery Fund

This fund directly supports restoration and resilience planning for Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. Every gift helps fuel economic recovery, strengthen infrastructure, and bring visitors back to our cherished mountain communities.

Make a Donation

Why Your Visit Matters

By visiting Rutherford County, you help:

Keep local businesses alive
Boost recovery for small-town economies
Encourage long-term revitalization of beloved mountain destinations

Whether you hike, dine, shop, or stay overnight, your presence makes a difference. Let’s rebuild together—stronger, safer, and more connected than ever.

We welcome you back after Hurricane Helene.