Trail Restoration: Two Years Post-Hurricane Helene

Two years following the destructive impact of Hurricane Helene on the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), including Augusta, Georgia, local mountain biking trails have seen extensive restoration efforts. Volunteers from SORBA CSRA have worked tirelessly, manually removing an astonishing 14,000 fallen trees and addressing approximately 2,000 displaced root balls. While significant progress has been made, with several popular trails now accessible, a number of more remote paths continue to require substantial work to reopen. The dedication of these volunteers highlights the profound community spirit in overcoming natural disasters and preserving recreational spaces.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, the region faced immense challenges. Initial reports indicated that SORBA CSRA volunteers had to clear 501 trees just to make a single 3-mile trail, the Augusta Canal singletrack, operational again. At that time, over 100 miles of trails remained impassable, with thousands more trees anticipated to require removal. Ed Farnell, the current president of SORBA CSRA, noted the monumental scale of the task, humorously likening the volunteers' exhaustion to Forrest Gump's relentless journey.

Currently, key trail systems like Forks Area Trail System (FATS), Augusta Canal singletrack, Horn Creek (also known as Lick Fork), and Keg Creek are open for public use. Some sections of Mistletoe State Park trails are also accessible, with ongoing work expected to clear the remaining debris by year-end, allowing access from Keg Creek. However, the southern areas of Mistletoe State Park still await comprehensive clearing.

The Bartram Trail, an 18.5-mile route along the Georgia shore of Thurmond Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is currently closed to cyclists. Although all downed trees have been removed, the trail's surface needs reconstruction. A contracted crew will undertake this second phase, aiming to smooth and restore the path. Farnell anticipates the Bartram Trail will be fully operational by the fall of 2027, re-establishing its connection to Keg Creek and other areas.

The situation for the Modoc, Turkey Creek, and Wine Creek trails in Sumter National Forest, South Carolina, is more complex. These trails not only suffered from wind damage but also experienced severe flooding during Helene, with water levels reportedly rising over 35 feet above normal. This resulted in trees being stacked up to 20 feet high in some sections. While initial rumors suggested these trails might be abandoned, Farnell confirmed that restoration efforts are underway. The Forest Service has secured funding, and a contracted team is presently working on Turkey Creek Trail, having cleared approximately 3 miles, though the trail remains closed until fully restored.

The extensive forest regrowth over the past two years has added another layer of difficulty, making it challenging even for experienced trail champions to locate the original paths. This might necessitate a complete reconstruction, potentially giving these previously hand-built trails a distinct new character. Further north, Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina also sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene. The Pisgah Conservancy, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, recently announced a nearly $8 million grant over 4.5 years to rebuild trails, bridges, and infrastructure across its vast 400-plus-mile network. Similarly, Pisgah Area SORBA received $5.6 million in disaster relief funding to aid in these recovery efforts, which includes hiring specialized personnel for trail programs and disaster coordination.

Most of Pisgah’s bike-legal trails are now open, though work to restore and re-route damaged sections is still ongoing. Looking ahead for the Augusta area, Farnell expects Mistletoe State Park trails to fully reopen next, followed by the Bartram/West Dam trail. The annual FATS Flow Master cross-country race, scheduled for October 17th, serves as a crucial fundraiser, having generated nearly $75,000 for local trails over eight years. For the latest updates on trail statuses or to contribute through volunteering or donations, individuals are encouraged to visit sorbacsra.org.