Status of Town parks and trails
Hurricane Helene left many of Black Mountain’s town parks and trails in ruins when it tore through Western North Carolina in late September 2024. In the days and weeks after massive floods and winds hit, our attention was solely focused on the needs of the people in our community and our neighbors. But as soon as we could, we began the long, hard job of clearing, cleaning, and restoring our public spaces like parks, trails, and waterways. Those efforts are still ongoing.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) crews, which have been helping us all along, are also part of our debris removal efforts. This past week, for example, crews of their subcontractors began working in two Town parks and in the Swannanoa River. Stream back work is tricky and complex, so it’s important to note that all of their efforts have been permitted and are compliant with the rules and regulations related to this kind of work.
River Walk Dog Park: Closed for Repairs
At the Town’s River Walk Dog Park, USACE crews are taking down broken and leaning trees, referred to as “leaners and hangers,” that were damaged by high winds and floodwaters. The subcontractors performing this work have come to us from Florida and Ohio.
With this debris removal, the Town is moving one step further in the cleanup efforts at this park. Still, the dog park remains closed during this time, and visitors are asked to stay out of the area for their safety.
Veterans Park & the Swannanoa River: Closed for Repairs
USACE crews from Wisconsin are on site at Veterans Park working to pull debris out of the Swannanoa River as well as debris from areas of the park that were flooded. Debris being pulled out of the river not only includes vegetative debris and construction materials but the large metal pedestrian bridge that once stretched across the river, connecting Veterans Park to the In the Oaks Trail. The bridge was damaged and pushed downstream by Helene, a true testament of the height and force of the floodwaters.
Heavy equipment is present in the Veterans Park area, so visitors are asked to stay away from any work being performed.
Other Public Parks in Black Mountain
To help you plan your visit, we’re providing this list of Town parks and their current status. If you’re interested in more detailed progress reports and program announcements, we encourage you to follow our Parks Department on Facebook.
Cragmont Park
PARTIALLY OPEN
105 Swannanoa Avenue
The parking lot and walking path at Cragmont Park sustained flood damage and should not be used. The tennis courts are open and usable.
Dr. John Wilson Community Garden
OPEN
99 White Pine Drive
Flat Creek Greenway
REPAIRS ONGOING, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Large sections of the Flat Creek Greenway have been destroyed and are closed until further notice. The first section from Charlotte Street to the footbridge remains usable, but all other portions are inaccessible due to damage.
Grey Eagle Indoor Soccer Facility
OPEN FOR LOCAL USE ONLY
17 White Pine Drive
Lake Tomahawk Park & Playground Areas
OPEN, USE WITH CAUTION
The walking trail around Lake Tomahawk is uneven in places but open. Please use caution. The picnic shelter sustained some damage but is usable. The playground, tennis and basketball courts are open. Please note that Lake Tomahawk water levels will be reduced until repair work to the Black Mountain Golf Course’s irrigation system is completed.
Town Square
OPEN
intersection of W. State Street and NC-9/Montreat Road
Black Mountain Golf Course: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS
In the Oaks Trail: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS
Lakeview Center: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS
Would you like to donate directly to the Town of Black Mountain and our Hurricane Helene recovery efforts? CLICK HERE. Thank you for considering.
State Parks and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Meanwhile, clean-up efforts are on-going throughout Western North Carolina state parks and trails. Refer to the official North Carolina State Park interactive map to check the current status of a specific state park or trail.
The Blue Ridge Parkway IS OPEN near Black Mountain. The National Parks Service provides information about ongoing repairs along the Parkway. You can view a listing of them here and an interactive map here.
