Pisgah National Forest Welcomes Rafting Community Back to Poplar Boat Launch Starting June 12

POPLAR, N.C. (June 11, 2026) — Rafters and boaters will once again have public access to the Nolichucky River beginning Friday, June 12, when the Forest Service reopens the Poplar Boat Launch on the Pisgah National Forest.  

This milestone marks the culmination of several months of construction to rebuild the Helene‑damaged site and ensure it is safe, durable and ready to welcome visitors once again. 

“The public will see firsthand the exceptional effort that has gone into rebuilding this launch, which is an important part of the local outdoor recreation economy,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. “There is still work ahead, but reaching this milestone was only possible thanks to the tremendous support of our partners, whose commitment has been essential in restoring access to the Poplar.”  

What Visitors Can Expect Now 

1. The loading and take-out ramps and parking areas have been rebuilt and are open for use. 

2. Additional features—permanent restrooms, a picnic area, and other amenities—will be added later in 2026. 

3. For safety reasons, visitors should stay on paved areas until construction is complete. 

4. Portable restrooms are available on site. 

Rebuilding for Long-Term Resilience 

The Nolichucky River corridor suffered major damage during Hurricane Helene in 2024, when floodwaters swept through the area and destroyed the previous launch. Once conditions were safe for crews to begin working, the Forest Service undertook an ambitious first phase of reconstruction aimed at getting the site safely reopened as quickly and responsibly as possible. 

To restore public access, crews placed nearly 15,000 tons of rock and 20,000 cubic yards of fill material to rebuild the site. A newly constructed stone embankment now reinforces the river’s edge, supporting long-term resilience against future flooding—a critical investment given the increasing frequency and severity of storm events in the region. 

Permanent restrooms, picnic area and other features will be added later in 2026.  

Why This Matters for Rural Communities 

Across Western North Carolina, river access sites like Poplar play an outsized role in the health and vitality of small towns. They anchor a regional recreation economy made up of local outfitters, guides, gear shops, restaurants, lodging providers and family-run businesses. For many rural communities, the steady flow of paddlers and visitors—especially during summer months—means reliable jobs and income in places where economic opportunities can otherwise be limited. 

Reopening Poplar aligns with the Forest Service’s priority to expand access to outdoor recreation and improve visitor experiences, recognizing that well-maintained recreation sites do more than serve visitors: they create jobs, strengthen local economies, and keep rural communities vibrant. Restoring damaged recreation infrastructure is also a core part of the agency’s commitment to help communities recover following natural disasters and ensure that public lands continue to provide economic, social and environmental benefits 

Partnerships Making a Difference 

A key component of this progress has been the Forest Service’s partnership with the National Forest Foundation. Through this collaboration, the NFF provided critical support in coordinating contracting and technical resources, helping accelerate reconstruction.  

Staying Updated 

For the latest information on Helene‑related closures and re-openings, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina or follow the National Forests in North Carolina at www.facebook.com/nfsnc. 

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.