ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Recreation on the French Broad River this summer is going to be a little different, thanks to Tropical Storm Helene.

Helene tore through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, causing historic flooding along the French Broad River. The river crested at 24.67 feet, swamping significant portions of Asheville, including Biltmore Village and the River Arts District.

Helene’s impact was made worse by a storm that had already dropped about 7 inches of rain on the area by Sept. 26. Consequently, torrential rains from Helene sent the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers to catastrophic levels.

Floodwaters washed out homes, businesses, bridges and roads. Landslides added to the devastation. All of that has left area rivers littered with debris.

Recreation on the French Broad River this summer is going to be a little different, thanks to debris left by Tropical Storm Helene.
Recreation on the French Broad River this summer is going to be a little different, thanks to debris left by Tropical Storm Helene.

Crews with USACE contractor AshBritt have been removing debris from several areas along the French Broad River, Buncombe County officials said Monday.

Crews were working in five county locations along the French Broad on Monday, including Alexander River Park, Ledges Whitewater River Park, Woodfin, near Lake Julian and along Brevard Road, officials said. In the city of Asheville, they were near the French Broad River Dog Park.

Crews have been tasked with removing debris that is impacting critical infrastructures in the waterways through June 30, Buncombe County officials said.

Zen Tubing, which has been family-owned and operated since 2012, took to social media last week to announce changes to its summer schedule because of debris in the French Broad.

“River Arts District (RAD), a vibrant hub of creativity and outdoor adventure in Asheville is still facing a season of recovery after Hurricane Helene left its mark on the French Broad River and surrounding area. As a result the City of Asheville is not recommending water recreation in the downtown RAD area for now,” the post said.

Zen Tubing said city, local, state and federal agencies and environmental organizations have launched significant efforts to restore this stretch of the river, including:

  • Debris removal: Asheville GreenWorks, which we support through giving a portion of our proceeds to, and volunteer groups are working tirelessly to clear fallen trees, metal and other debris from the river and its banks, Zen Tubing said.
  • Bank restoration: The structural integrity of the riverbanks has been compromised by severe erosion, and projects are underway to stabilize these areas and prevent further damage, the river business said.
  • Infrastructure repair: Local businesses and organizations are collaborating on plans to rebuild and revitalize the RAD. Many of the galleries have reopened and are receiving visitors.

These initiatives are crucial to restoring the French Broad River’s health and ensuring its safety for future recreational use, the Zen Tubing post said.

“At Zen Tubing, safety is always our top priority. Given the current conditions in the RAD section of the river, we have made the difficult decision to pause our tubing operations in the RAD area at 608 Riverside Drive for the 2025 season. We are actively monitoring cleanup and restoration progress and are optimistic about reopening in 2026,” Zen Tubing’s website said.

“In the meantime, our Flagship South location at 1648 Brevard Rd. will be open on May 16th and fully operational! This stretch of the river offers a safe and scenic tubing experience, allowing you to still enjoy floating on the French Broad!”

Following Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024, the French Broad River in Asheville experienced significant flooding that damaged the River Arts District, impacting water recreation, Asheville officials said.

Recreation on the French Broad River this summer is going to be a little different, thanks to debris left by Tropical Storm Helene.
Recreation on the French Broad River this summer is going to be a little different, thanks to debris left by Tropical Storm Helene.

Impact of Tropical Storm Helene:

  • Catastrophic flooding on the French Broad River caused widespread damage and debris along the riverbanks, particularly in the RAD.
  • Approximately 80 percent of the RAD’s buildings were flooded, leading to significant damage to businesses and properties.
  • The storm also caused flash flooding and landslides, resulting in devastating damage and loss of life.
  • The flooding overwhelmed stormwater management efforts in the RAD.

“The River Arts District has always been a hub of creativity, resilience, and community spirit. The ongoing recovery efforts reflect Asheville’s dedication to preserving this beloved area, and we are grateful to everyone contributing to its restoration,” Zen Tubing said.

In Woodfin, work developing recreational facilities along the French Broad River took a hit. The Woodfin Greenway and Blueway is slated to be a major component of an overall effort to connect a new park to an expanded park.

But Helene threw a kink into those efforts.

“We estimate the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene set back the work on the Woodfin Greenway/Blueway approximately 6-12 months,” Woodfin Project and Facilities Director Adrienne Isenhower said.