Recreate With Heart: Restoring Helene Affected Areas Through Outdoor Recreation 

Western North Carolina’s resilience and recovery over the past five months has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.  With continued efforts in heavy-hit areas, the focus has shifted from humanitarian relief to sustainable rebuilding of outdoor spaces.  From massive undertakings to rebuild damaged sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, to restoring bridge and park access to trails in the Pisgah National Forest, outdoor recreation enthusiasts have flocked to the region to help build back the impacted natural areas we all love. 

Disc Golf Fundraiser

North Cove Disc Golf, located between the North Cove and Linville Falls community, sits on 157 acres of awesome rolling hills alongside the North Fork Catawba River. This rural valley, framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, was one of the most devastated regions in McDowell County, NorthCarolina. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, a space once dedicated to celebrating nature and recreation, has worked diligently to remove hundreds of trees and thousands of pounds of debris from their nationally recognized three course attraction. Previous efforts over the past month and a half have helped restore the only bridge access to the location, as well as supporting the impacted community around their business.

This February, North Cove Disc Golf hosted a Western North Carolina Disc Golf Association Fundraiser to further restore the disc golf courses and the community around them. The WNCDGA Fundraiser: North Cove DGC Random Draw Doubles with Paige Pierce featured 5x World Champion Paige Pierce, along with live music from local musician Eric Chesson. NCDG hosted a competition in the afternoon and clinics throughout the day. Disc golf, live music, food, drinks, community and games. All proceeds went toward the course rebuild. Following up a video posted to Social Media the day of the event, employees of North Cove Disc Golf were touched by the turn-out.

“Thank you all for attending and welcome back! The support from our community has been overwhelming.”

Learn more about the fundraisers to restore North Cove on the Destination McDowell website.

Photo Credit: Camp Grier

Share the Love Community Dinner Series

Camp Grier has made headlines before, but since Helene, the family and outdoor recreation focused camp has pivoted to yet another hat: community support.  After functioning as a relief shelter and supporting fundraising efforts (like the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival and Old Fort Strong Fund), Camp Grier now offers support through their Share the Love Community Dinner Series. According to Camp Grier, the “Share the Love dinner series is all about continuing that spirit of togetherness, love, and resilience.” The camp invites folks from the outdoor recreation community and locals to enjoy delicious food, keep the bonds of community strong, and work together to ensure the future of Old Fort remains bright.  Enjoy a freshly prepared meal on 655 acres of natural camp settings surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. 

Reserve a Stay at a Local Campgrounds and RV Parks

McDowell County campgrounds and RV Parks are the heart of the county, and many of these attractions were swept away with the flood waters of the storm.  Locations like Spacious Skies Bear Den were some of the fortunate businesses that quickly recovered and are looking at a way to give back (with your help)! For every reservation made February 1 – February 28, Spacious Skies Bear Den will donate 10% of reservations to designated local businesses and organizations doing vital work in the area. Book your stay at one of their comfortable RV sites, cozy cabins, or unique tent campsites. 

Ride and Rebuild

Rock N’ Roller 2025 hits the roads of Old Fort this April and with it, an opportunity to come together, to ride together, and to rebuild together. This inspiring cycling event, hosted by McDowell Trails Association (MTA) and a dedicated team of community partners describes Rock N’ Roller as a ride where “every pedal stroke becomes a step toward restoring the heart of Old Fort.” Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to make a difference, participation in Rock N’ Roller will help provide critical support to Old Fort neighbors as they rebuild homes, classrooms, and livelihoods. Donate today through the McDowell Trails Association or register online to participate in the ride

Rock N’ Roller draws almost 200 participants to the town of Old Fort, NC each year. 

The Rock N’ Roller Ride showcases what makes McDowell County a cycling destination. The contrasting scenic beauty of the mountain terrain and Helene impacted areas emphasizes why this ride is so important for the region. This early spring event also serves as an excellent training ride to set the tone for the remainder of the 2025 cycling season.

7Moons MTB (a mtb and outdoors-focused organization based in Cherokee) roll up their sleeves and get to work during the 3 day Pump Track Building Class offered by McDowell Tech Trail School in Old Fort.

Volunteer with McDowell Tech Trail School

As one of three trail building and development schools in the country, Old Fort recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting of their McDowell Tech campus. This campus is home to McDowell Tech Trail School, an organization that works with G5 Trail Collective and local Forest Service.  Programs through the trail school and volunteer opportunities through G5 Trail Collective are typically weekend long, and focus on repairs to local trails or learning vital skillsets for trail repair, maintenance and sustainability.  Sign up for volunteer opportunities through G5 Trail Collective, which are typically paired up with workshops offered through McDowell Tech. 

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