Raise the Rock Action Plan: Chimney Rock’s Road to Recovery

Orange downward arrow icon in a white diamond outline, shown in hover state on the Home page
Chimney Rock lodge beside a river, with the riverbank and parking lot eroded by flood damage

At the heart of our work is a commitment to building strong community partnerships that foster long-term growth and development.

Chimney Rock Recovery Plan

Visit the live project page for the most up-to-date information!

Raise the Rock Chimney Rock Recovery Action Plan logo: white and orange text on a navy background

After 5+ years of planning and development efforts, Chimney Rock, NC has long been special to us. To say that the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Fall of 2024 was heartbreaking is a complete understatement.

A render of Chimney Rock with a person in a kayak on the river
Chimney Rock Village before photo: shops and parked cars below the Chimney Rock cliffs
Chimney Rock Village after photo: boulders and debris in a river below the Chimney Rock cliffs
Before After

A Village Reimagined

In the wake of this disaster, uncertainty has loomed. Roads impassable, water and sewer systems destroyed, and the river itself shifted course. The challenges are overwhelming. 

Yet, amid the destruction, one thing remains unshaken: the resilience of this community.

Business owners, residents, and local leaders are committed to a new and vibrant future; they are determined to rebuild—stronger, smarter, and more connected than before.

That’s why we are proud to lead Chimney Rock’s Raise the Rock Recovery Action Plan– a strategic effort to restore and revitalize Chimney Rock village, arguably the epicenter of Hurricane Helene’s destructive force.

Aerial view of flood-damaged buildings and debris along a river in Chimney Rock
Wrecked boats in the destruction of Chimney Rock
Two men overlooking heavy machinery working on cleaning a destroyed river bed

What is “Raise the Rock”?

“Raise the Rock”  is a community-driven planning effort that provides a roadmap for recovery, guiding infrastructure rebuilding while creating a foundation for private investment. Working alongside the Chimney Rock Village Task Force, we are facilitating collaboration, assessing redevelopment opportunities, and engaging the public to ensure a shared vision for the future.

This isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost—it’s about reimagining what could be. By integrating resilience strategies, sustainable design, and economic revitalization, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more vibrant Chimney Rock.

Aerial view of a forested river gorge with a flood-scarred road and riverbank at Chimney Rock
Flood-damaged homes sitting among river boulders and debris after the storm
Yellow CAT excavator clearing boulders from a river during flood recovery work

Join the Movement

The road ahead won’t be easy, but with the collective passion of this community and a clear plan in place, we’re confident that Chimney Rock will not only recover—it will thrive.

We’re honored to be part of this journey and to be leading the recovery efforts in Chimney Rock.