Asheville estimates $1B in public infrastructure damage; How hard hit were its greenways?
The recent article from the Asheville Citizen Times highlights the extensive damage to Asheville's greenways caused by Hurricane Helene, with repair costs estimated at over $5 million.
Asheville’s greenways have always been more than paths through the woods or along the river—they’re the threads that weave our community together. They’re where we walk with friends, teach our kids to ride bikes, or find a moment of peace on a busy day. They’re where the city breathes.
When Helene tore through, it wasn’t just a storm that damaged our greenways—it tore a little at the heart of our community. According to the Asheville Citizen Times, the storm caused an estimated $5 million in damage to these vital spaces, leaving them impassable and unsafe. The report highlights areas of severe flooding, washed-out sections, and the toll it’s taken on the natural beauty and accessibility of the trails.
These greenways are more than infrastructure—they’re where the community comes together. Rebuilding them isn’t just about fixing trails, it’s about mending the connection between people and the spaces that inspire us, calm us, and remind us of why we love living here.
These spaces have quietly supported us for years. Now, they need us to step up. Restoring them will take time, effort, and care, but it’s work worth doing—for ourselves, for our neighbors, and for the generations to come.
