Revitalizing Resilience: How Old Fort is Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene

Tue Sep 30 2025 03:43:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Old Fort, North Carolina, welcomes over 400 visitors for FloatLife Fest, the town showcases its recovery and determination to rise from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

Old Fort, NC, once devastated by Hurricane Helene, is on a path to recovery with the recent FloatLife Fest attracting visitors and injecting hope. The festival, celebrating motorized Onewheel boards, illustrates community spirit and resilience as local businesses strive to regain footing in the outdoor tourism sector, despite ongoing challenges from previous disasters.

Morning mist still lingers over the mountains surrounding Old Fort, NC, as helmeted riders zip past the towering Arrowhead Monument on their motorized Onewheel boards. Their presence marks the return of FloatLife Fest, a festival dedicated to Onewheel enthusiasts and a beacon of hope for the town recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastating impact.

With nearly 400 attendees swelling the town's population by 50%, the mid-September festival isn't just a celebration of innovative transport; it's a lifeline for local businesses still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s disaster.

‘The vibe and the welcome we felt was really nice,’ reflects Jess Jones, a marine biologist visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland. Her sentiments echo the spirit of community resilience as townsfolk strive to rebuild what was lost.

The scars from Helene are evident in this picturesque mountain town, located 24 miles east of Asheville. While many of Old Fort's shops have reopened, remnants of debris still testify to the storm's ferocity amidst a community aiming to revitalize its outdoor tourism potential.

Chad Schoenauer, owner of Old Fort Bike Shop, emphasizes the crucial role of the upcoming fall leaf season for business recovery. Yet, he encounters lingering uncertainty as potential customers remain unaware that his doors are open.

Rebuilding from Disaster

The destruction left by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 interrupted Old Fort’s ambitions to become a premier destination for outdoor activities. The town was on the brink of transformation, bolstered by community leaders aiming to diversify the local economy following significant job loss from the Ethan Allen factory downsizing.

Using its breathtaking natural resources, local leaders envisioned a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures. ‘We have some of the best trails in the country,’ enthuses FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson, highlighting the allure of Old Fort's red clay trails.

However, Helene’s floodwaters wreaked havoc on newly developed trails and local businesses, resetting progress only shortly after it had begun. The waters converging from the Catawba River and Mill Creek inundated downtown, causing extensive damage.

‘I was numb coming all the way here... and as soon as I got off the exit, I started crying,’ Schoenauer recalls, narrating the emotional toll as he assessed his business losses. Despite challenges, there has been progress — approximately 30 miles of trails have reopened, though many remain closed while ongoing repairs continue.

As the town fights to regain its footing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, a significant draw for visitors, remains closed for repairs. Gov. Josh Stein recently reported a surge in visitor spending across the state, but areas like McDowell County have felt the pinch, with a notable drop in tourism revenue since Helene.

Despite the setbacks, the lush landscapes and determined spirit of Old Fort hint at a brighter future ahead. Swim through its challenges, the FloatLife Fest is symbolic of the community's commitment to restoration and resilience.