Rafters and boaters once again have public access to the Nolichucky River as of June 12 when the Forest Service reopened the Poplar Boat Launch in the Pisgah National Forest.
This milestone marks the culmination of several months of construction to rebuild the Helene-damaged site and ensure it is safe, durable and ready to welcome visitors once again.
“The public will see firsthand the exceptional effort that has gone into rebuilding this launch, which is an important part of the local outdoor recreation economy,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. “There is still work ahead, but reaching this milestone was only possible thanks to the tremendous support of our partners, whose commitment has been essential in restoring access to the Poplar.”
The Nolichucky River corridor suffered major damage during Hurricane Helene in 2024, when floodwaters swept through the area and destroyed the previous launch. Once conditions were safe for crews to begin working, the Forest Service undertook an ambitious first phase of reconstruction aimed at getting the site safely reopened as quickly and responsibly as possible.
To restore public access, crews placed nearly 15,000 tons of rock and 20,000 cubic yards of fill material to rebuild the site. A newly constructed stone embankment now reinforces the river’s edge, supporting long-term resilience against future flooding — a critical investment given the increasing frequency and severity of storm events in the region.
Permanent restrooms, a picnic area and other features will be added later in 2026.
For the latest information on Helene-related closures and re-openings, visit fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina or follow the National Forests in North Carolina at facebook.com/nfsnc.