This September marks the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that brought heavy rains and strong winds across Virginia and left lasting marks on New River Trail State Park.

While the storm passed in a matter of days, its effects on the river and surrounding landscape continue to shape the way people and wildlife experience this historic waterway. 

A river transformed 

Upper Boat Ramp following Hurricane Helene

Paddlers returning to the New River may notice both subtle and dramatic changes. New sandbars and gravel beds create slower-moving sections, resulting in unexpected resting spots and riffles.  

Fallen trees and newly exposed rocks have shifted familiar routes, especially around bends and narrow channels. Even the current feels different, it could be faster in some stretches and slower in others as the storm surge reshaped the riverbed beneath the surface. 

For those heading out on the water, these changes are a reminder to explore unfamiliar sections carefully and be ready for surprises around every bend. Rivers are dynamic systems, and storms like Helene accelerate the process of change that is always happening. 

Upper Boat Ramp today

Impacts on wildlife 

Hurricane Helene also disrupted the delicate ecosystems that thrive along the river’s edge. Nesting areas for turtles and birds were washed away, and some fish species are still adjusting to altered spawning grounds.  

However, nature is resilient. The floodwaters delivered fresh nutrients to wetlands and backwaters, boosting native plant growth and providing food and shelter for insects and amphibians. 

Park staff and conservation partners are monitoring these shifts closely, helping restore sensitive habitats where needed while allowing natural processes of recovery to take place. 

Rangers and volunteers on the front lines  

How some portions of the trail looked following Hurricane Helene 

While the river itself was reshaping, the human effort to restore New River Trail State Park was already underway. In the days following Helene, park rangers worked tirelessly to assess damage, clear downed trees and repair eroded sections of trail. Their efforts ensured that the park could safely reopen to visitors, even as restoration projects continued behind the scenes. 

Volunteers also played a critical role. From community groups hauling debris to individuals lending a hand with trail repairs, the collective effort highlighted the strong connection between the park and the people who love it. 

Lessons from Helene 

Large storms don’t just leave behind downed trees and high-water marks, they reshape landscapes, reset ecosystems and create new challenges and opportunities for recreation. 

When you float, fish or paddle the New River, you’re experiencing a living classroom that’s always changing. Sometimes this change happens slowly and sometimes it happens suddenly with the force of nature. 

By taking time to notice these changes, we deepen our understanding of rivers and the importance of conservation.