The need
On the Pisgah Ranger District, the most severe damage from Hurricane Helene occurred along the South Mills River corridor, with the water rising presumably more than 12 feet.
This surge of water created channels and eddies in places that don’t usually see flowing water, excavating and altering many places on riverside trails. Bradley Creek trail is one such trail, as it was impacted to the point of being impassable by horseback.
During Summer 2025, our Trail Crew repaired several large holes in the trail tread on Bradley Creek trail that were left behind by the storm. The largest of the holes we repaired was so significant in size that the crew estimated a full-size pickup trip could have fit inside.
The right tool for the job
Our Bobcat E20 mini excavator, which was added to our trail equipment fleet in Spring 2025 thanks to a generous grant from the Glass Foundation, was perfectly suited for the job.
Using our mini excavator, the crew repaired these holes and installed proper drainage where Helene’s flooding had previously caused damage, ensuring the repaired trail tread and newly constructed drains allow this section of Bradley Creek trail to better withstand future severe weather events.
Access restored
As a result of this repair, volunteer trail maintainers with Back Country Horsemen of Pisgah were able to access additional sections of Bradley Creek trail and Riverside trail, where downed trees from Hurricane Helene were still blocking the trail, and to clear them.
