One Year After Hurricane Helene, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Celebrate Resilience

Community marks strength, recovery, and hope with weekend of events

One year ago, Hurricane Helene tested the strength of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, and the Hickory Nut Gorge. What followed wasn’t defeat, but determination. This weekend, the community will gather to honor that resilience with a series of events dedicated to remembrance, recovery, and looking toward the future.

Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Commemoration Ceremony

Organizers announced a change in location for Saturday’s commemoration ceremony, now set for Roosevelt Hall, just behind the Lake Lure Inn at 2771 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. on September 27.

In a statement, town officials said: “We are pleased to invite you to a commemoration ceremony in honor of the enduring resilience and strength of the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock communities. The journey of rebuilding is ongoing, but we want to pause to acknowledge the impact of Hurricane Helene and all that we experienced together over the past year. This ceremony will pay tribute to the lives affected by the storm, reflect on the support we have received from so many, and rejoice in the progress that has been made in the past year. We are grateful for your support and hope you will be able to join us for this important ceremony.”

Community members are asked to share the updated location with anyone who may not see the change. It was originally planned to be at the Morse Park Gazebo, but the park is currently closed for repairs, and there is a chance of rain.

Schedule of Events

Following the ceremony, additional events will unfold throughout the weekend, including a symbolic ribbon-cutting at 1:00 p.m. to honor local towns and businesses, a 2:00 p.m. presentation in Chimney Rock Village recognizing “Spokes of Hope,” and a 4:00 p.m. strenuous hike to a scenic overlook of the Hickory Nut Gorge.

Visitors are encouraged to support local shops, restaurants, and attractions during the weekend as part of the community’s ongoing recovery. 

Weekend Special Experiences

The weekend is also filled with cultural, musical, and outdoor activities planned:

• Carolina Celtic Music Festival at Fae Nectar (Friday & Saturday)

• Grand reopening and live music at Chimney Rock Smokehouse (Friday, 7 p.m.)

• Lunch at Lake Lure Inn (Saturday at noon, reservations recommended)

• Cocktails at the Lodge on Lake Lure (Saturday, 3 p.m.)

• Dinner at Legends at Rumbling Bald (Saturday, 6 p.m., reservations required)

• Guided hikes and discussions on Hurricane Helene’s effects (Saturday, 1–4 p.m., Chimney Rock State Park entry required)

• Sunday services across local churches are honoring the anniversary

  
  

A Season of Reflection

Chimney Rock State Park tied the commemoration to the autumnal equinox, which fell on September 22:

“This season is one for reflection and gratitude as we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. To commemorate, a Celebration of Resilience is taking place across Chimney Rock and Lake Lure this Saturday and Sunday, with special events in the Park. From 1–4 PM each day, visit with a park naturalist stationed at the Chimney to experience a bird’s-eye view of Hickory Nut Gorge and hear stories about the area's history and recovery. At 2 PM, meet a ranger outside Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop for a guided hike up the Outcroppings Trail to learn about the Gorge’s natural history and the lasting impact of the storm. Weekly Fall Color Reports will also begin in October so that you can follow along with us as the leaves turn. As you can see from these photos taken in 2023, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Chimney Rock, and we hope to see you soon.”

Looking Forward

Organizers emphasize that this weekend is about more than looking back. It’s a chance to celebrate the progress made, to honor those who helped the community recover, and to look forward with renewed hope.

“This day is about community, resilience, and the beauty of what’s ahead,” event materials said. “Every visit tells the story of our comeback.”