NEBO, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The United States Forest Service announced the reopening of the Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail after closing due to Hurricane Helene.
The popular route connecting Pisgah National Forest to the town of Old Fort, North Carolina, was closed for 18 months. The route provided critical access to the region’s outdoor economy, the Forest Service said.
“The trail is part of a community-led effort to strengthen rural prosperity by expanding recreation infrastructure and drawing visitors to the area,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests of North Carolina. “We’re thankful for the steady local support behind this project.”
According to the Forest Service, the trail sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Helene, including three large landslides that took out entire portions of the trail and a half-mile of blowdown…