Catching Up on April: What Was Happening on the Ground in WNC

Western North Carolina continues to move forward, and April brought some real, tangible signs of progress worth paying attention to. From trails reopening to new funding opportunities to community celebrations, here is a look at what's been happening across the region this month.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Is Back Open in the West

Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail recently unveiled a new western terminus marker at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, marking a significant milestone in the trail's recovery after Hurricane Helene.

The entire MST closed following the storm, and reopening the western section required an enormous volunteer effort. Thousands of hours were logged clearing fallen trees, with volunteers working alongside federal partners at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service to make access possible again. Brandon Lawrence, the organization's executive director, shared that the number of trees cleared likely reached into the tens of thousands.

The western section of the MST, running from Kuwohi through the Blue Ridge Parkway and into Linville Gorge, is one of the most scenic and established stretches of the trail. It is now open and ready for visitors.

If you're ready to get out and explore, visit mountseetrail.org for interactive maps and downloadable trail guides.

Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties Launch a New Road Trip Loop

With portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway still affected, the tourism directors of Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties came together to create a practical solution for visitors: the Mayland Meander.

Kelly Jones (Mitchell County) and Sue Wasserman (Yancey County) partnered with a designer from Banner Elk to produce a driving loop that takes visitors through all three counties using alternate routes, connecting them to local attractions like the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, Penland School of Craft, Emerald Village, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour, and the downtowns of Burnsville and Spruce Pine.

The goal is straightforward: show visitors there are still ways to reach these communities and experience everything the High Country has to offer, even when the Parkway is not fully accessible.

You can plan your trip at highcountryroadtrip.com.

$40 Million Now Available for WNC Commercial Districts

On April 6th, the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Community Revitalization officially launched the Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program, opening applications for $40 million in federal funding for commercial districts in WNC damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Local governments and nonprofit organizations in 30 eligible counties can apply for awards ranging from $500,000 to $10 million per project. Eligible uses include rehabilitation of commercial structures, physical improvements to small businesses, and facade work in commercial areas.

The application window is open now through August 4, 2026. Organizations are encouraged to complete a free online prescreening before submitting a full application.

This is a meaningful opportunity for communities working to restore their downtowns and main streets. Visit commercerecovery.nc.gov for the full details and application materials.

The Riverview Community Center in Creston Celebrates Its Reopening

On April 9th, the Riverview Community Center in Creston, NC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a six-month renovation project led by the Charlotte Hornets and Lowe's through the Hornets Legacy Project.

The center, which had four feet of floodwater in it after Helene and had not received FEMA funding, serves as a critical hub for food distribution and community activity in an already under-resourced area. Volunteers and partners spent six months renovating the gymnasium, basketball court, exercise room, and outdoor spaces, while also running a community food packing initiative during the process.

The ribbon-cutting brought together community leaders, Hornets and Lowe's executives, and project volunteers. Following the ceremony, a Hornets Hoops Clinic gave local youth on spring break a chance to enjoy the newly restored space.

Stay Connected to What's Happening Across the Region

These are just a few of the updates coming out of WNC this April. Recovery is happening across the region in ways large and small, and there are people and organizations doing meaningful work every day.

To follow more recovery stories and stay up to date on what's happening on the ground, visit the Governor's Recovery Office at wncrecovery.nc.gov/recovery-stories.

Western North Carolina is open, and there are real ways to support it right now. Which of these updates is most relevant to your community or work? I'd love to hear what you're seeing on the ground.

With gratitude and hope,

Sharon