FAQ: Hurricane Helene and Saluda Wildfires

May 13, 2025

Western North Carolina has experienced a lot since Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding on September 27th, 2024. Green River Adventures has rebuilt and retooled some operations to reopen this summer and we are thrilled to be back in action. Our Waterfall Rappels and Treks resumed operations on May 1st, 2025 and our River Programs including Self-Guided Inflatable Kayaking and Tubing (new for 2025!) will start on May 24th, 2025. Here are some answers to the frequently-asked questions we’ve received:

What can I expect after the storm?

The Green River has experienced some changes, but still remains the same, beautiful, class II whitewater, family-friendly recreational river that it’s always been. The historic volume of flood waters carved a wider path through the forested flood plains and deposited volumes of river sand. It resembles more of a western-style river with more exposed bedrock, large sandy beaches, and wide open spaces. We’ve actually seen increased bird activity including the arrival of two Bald Eagles! Tuxedo Hydro Station was destroyed by a landslide, so the Green River is now a natural flowing river for the first time in ~100 years. The river level is more variable and the water is clearer on normal days. Green River Cove Rd has several gravel sections, a one-lane section that is managed by a temporary traffic light, and the switchbacks are currently closed and under construction. Vehicular access to the Lower Green River is currently from the downstream side via Silver Creek Road.

What clean up efforts have been made on the Green River?

Green River Cove was super lucky to get immediate attention from FEMA and US Army Corps of Engineers. They started a large scale clean up in early January with dozens of excavators, industrial dump trucks, and other specialized equipment to remove storm debris from the river and its banks. It was an amazing operation to witness. Contractors finished their work in early April. For the last weeks, a river clean up team led by the Green Riverkeeper and funded through MountainTrue has been combing the river and removing trash from the bed and banks and will have completed work by Memorial Day Weekend. Army Corps of Engineers came in with excavators, and now clean up crews are in there with tweezers. The river looks amazing. The clear water, sandy beaches, open spaces, and clean banks make for a beautiful aesthetic.

Is the river safe?

The river clean up team is very confident that all significant exposed trash has been removed. In the meantime, we are suggesting all river users wear closed-toed shoes to provide an extra layer of protection from potential unknowns. The rapids have all been inspected by our river professionals and look really fun. MountainTrue has been testing the water quality frequently with excellent results. While it’s impossible to remove all inherent risks from river activities and guarantee safety, we believe that the conditions of the Green River are ready for the normal traditional recreational activities. We will continue to monitor conditions and address any emerging hazards promptly, as we have for 19 years.

Are Lifejackets required?

We’ve been hearing this a lot. Word is spreading that new regulation has been implemented by NC Wildlife Resource Commission. For the first time ever, outfitters using public Game Land are required to have commercial permits and meet insurance requirements. Insurance carriers require outfitters to provide lifejackets for all participants and meet other industry safety standards. You won’t experience anything different at Green River Adventures, we’ve always provided lifejackets for all participants on river activities.

How was Green River Adventures’ property affected?

Our Riverside Outpost is the only surviving structure close to the banks of to the Green River. But, RIP Boat Barn. We are currently rebuilding storage buildings, regrading, graveling, and expanding our parking. Work will be complete for our opening day on May 24th. We are also adding tubing to our menu of activities that will operate from our Riverside property. Our location in downtown was repurposed from September 30th to April 1st as the temporary home of the Saluda Food Pantry, which was forced to move from their flooded building.

How was the Green River affected by the Black Cove Complex and Deep Woods wildfires?

In late March, the Green River Gorge had two wildfires start on the same day on either side of the river. With no rain in the forecast, low relative humidity, and high winds, these fires grew to cover over 12,000 acres and threatened numerous neighborhoods, businesses, and cherished areas. For a week, the Black Cove Complex fire was classified as “the highest priority fire in the U.S.” Over 500 firefighters from all over North America, dozens of specialty airplanes, and countless helicopters battled these fires for almost two weeks. It was a very scary time and a few homes were lost, but the fires have no lasting impact on the landscape. The underbrush burned, but the trees did not, and spring foliage has covered the charred ground. In the end, it was a necessary cycle of the forest that has many long-term ecological benefits.

Are you able to run trips on the Upper Green River?

Unfortunately, we are not planning to operate our guided Upper Green River trips this summer. Such a bummer! Without the guarantee of recreational releases from Tuxedo Hydro Station, it is too uncertain when river levels would be appropriate to run trips. The rapids and river quality on the Upper Green River were relatively unaffected by the storm, so we are excited to resume Upper Green trips after we learn more about how the natural flowing river levels stabilize and affect our operations. We will update everyone via our newsletter ASAP. Sign up in the footer of this webpage!

Is the Green River too wide to navigate?

Soon after the flood, the river receded to its normal banks and still flows through it’s former channels with few exceptions. The flood waters did carve a very wide path through the flood planes, taking many trees with it and depositing river sand and debris. Some changes in the first 1.3 miles of the Lower Green River will take some more time to heal and will likely need a river restoration project to restore its quality. Green River Adventures will not be operating on this section of river this summer. We will be launching at the bridge and Riverside and taking out at Big Rock takeout (4.5 and 3 mile distance options for inflatable kayaking and tubing).