6 months after Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock continues to rebuild

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — More than six months after Hurricane Helene tore through the mountains of Western North Carolina, the village of Chimney Rock is showing signs of life again.

The once-vibrant mountain town was nearly wiped out by flooding, mudslides and wind damage. Roads collapsed, businesses were gutted, and dozens of homes washed away. But now, thanks to a tireless community effort and help from volunteers and nonprofits, there’s real hope on the horizon.

“The reality is the town was destroyed,” Shane Zoccole, founder of the nonprofit Spokes of Hope, said. “We gutted every building from the inside out—took it down to nothing—and then built it all back. And now we’re doing the finishing work.”

WATCH: Behind-the-scenes look at Chimney Rock’s devastation

Chimney Rock’s historic main street, buried in the mud after the storm, is slowly being rebuilt. Crews have installed temporary bridges, poured new foundations, and even repurposed materials from destroyed buildings to preserve the town’s rustic charm. Even small details like hand railings and salvaged wood countertops—carry sentimental value.

“That hand railing came out of a house we demo’d,” Zoccole explained. “The family said to use everything we can to repurpose it—and so we did.” 

He then showed WCNC Charlotte a countertop designed with the Broad River in it.

“Every stone in this building has someone’s name tied to it,” Zoccole said.

The storm hit hard, and Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary said the toll it took was overwhelming.

“We’ve had the whole town completely closed for six months now,” he said. “We had 100% unemployment, over 30 homes lost, numerous vehicles and campers gone. When you go through the numbers, it’s mindboggling.”

O’Leary, who also owns Bubba O’Leary’s General Store, said part of his building was destroyed in the flood.

“Everything washed away downstream,” he said. 

WATCH: Full interview with Mayor O’Leary on Live Impact News on WCNC+

Despite the loss, O’Leary is confident in the town’s future.

“The old Chimney Rock is gone,” he said. “But the new Chimney Rock we are going to rebuild, it’s going to be an amazing place.”

Although a full recovery will take years, town leaders hope to partially reopen the village this summer.

“To get the village open again, and to get Chimney Rock park open again, is such a small step, but at the same time, it is a vital step for the recovery of this village,” O’Leary said.

RELATED: Chimney Rock business rebuilds with state support after hurricane

The restoration effort has been bolstered by countless volunteers, contractors and agencies. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and other crews have worked ahead of schedule to make the area accessible again. Water and sewer systems are also being replaced to meet updated infrastructure needs.

“The government side, the volunteer side, profit and nonprofit—everyone who’s touched this valley has brought it to where it is now,” Zoccole said. “It’ll bring you to tears and to your knees because it is impossible to do it alone.”

For business owners like Shari Cummings, who lost both her home and store, reopening can’t come soon enough.

“Our plants are ready, and we need a place to sell them,” she said. “We’ve been here 27 years with the garden center.”

RELATED: Here’s when Chimney Rock could reopen

Every new walls or repaired decks is a sign of people working together with a common goal to bring the village back to life.

“Our future—while it’s still a work in progress—is much, much brighter than it could have been,” O’Leary said.

The physical transformation of Chimney Rock is only part of the story. Residents and volunteers say the mission is about more than rebuilding structures it’s about preserving the soul of a town known for its charm, views and tightly knit community.

“It’s got a magical draw to it,” O’Leary said. “Once you get here, you want to come back or never leave.”

As the town prepares for a partial reopening, locals are doing more than just laying bricks. They’re honoring memories, rebuilding lives, and writing the next chapter of a beloved mountain destination—one beam, one stone at a time.

Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.