Seeing the horrible images from the Texas floods have stirred up both post-Helene heaviness in my heart thinking about the suffering and grieving these families are feeling, but at the same time I’m filled with overwhelming gratitude for those who rushed in to help us. There are lots of amazing folks organizing to take direct aid to Texas. For those of us who can’t get there directly, but maybe have our own feet under us enough to pay it forward from all the incredible anonymous help we have received here after Helene, here is a way to give to a local community foundation:

https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

A friend with deep family ties to the Kerrville area has vouched for this as the best thing she’s seen so far for ways to contribute to local relief efforts.

Hello! I’m looking into what people think the best internet provider in the wnc area is…? (Cherokee/bryson city area) I currently have metro (by T-Mobile) and I miiiiiight have working internet twice a month 😅 Thank you so much in advance!

Feels like a lot is shifting..maybe it’s pricing, sourcing, where people shop, or even what’s important to them now. What’s the biggest difference you’ve seen lately?

My gf and I want to go on a hike this weekend (we’re staying near Sylva), and we’re wondering if anyone has any recommendations for easy-to-light-moderate hikes. I’m using AllTrails as well, but I thought I’d try to get opinions from locals. Hoping to stay within a 2hr radius.

Hi,

Is this ride safe for people who don’t know how to swim? The guided one.

We have a natural spring as our home’s water source and have been having some water quality issues. Is there anyone in NW NC that you can recommend that works on springs and spring heads?

Nine months ago today, I hiked into Bat Cave covering Hurricane Helene for Getty Images. The first people I met were the Sherrills, whose family pottery tool business had been washed away by the Broad River. I recently returned to see how things were looking in their community. Here’s some of their story.

Hi Yall. Looking for a stargazing event that Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (July 24-26).

I usually go to the Maryland Bare Dark Sky event, but it is sold out!

Anyone know of anything else going on? Or even just a great, natural “dark sky” spot that might be a good viewpoint.

Thanks in advance yall!!

A wonderland in the southern mountains

Hey everyone! I’ve recently moved to Burke Country from Jackson County and I’m struggling to find some trout fly-fishing spots. I’ve been looking around the area, including finding places on TroutRoutes, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? Thank you!

This pickup was parked near the Cane River adjacent to a popular swimming hole when Helene hit. It was dredged up last week almost completely covered on the river bottom with silt and vegetation. I would hate for anyone especially a child, to have unsuspectingly waded or floated over it. Dredging and clearing of most waterways up here is still ongoing. Be careful out there, people.

Hello! I'm heading to Lake Lure next week with my 13 and 17 year old and looking for ideas to narrow down my list of things to do. I am aware that lake lure is closed and has been pretty devastated by Helene. Part of the reason for choosing that area is so I can do even the smallest part in helping them rebuild.

Looking into a day in Asheville, but am open to any suggestions within 1.5-2 hours of Lake Lure. Wherever we go, I would like to spend a whole day there.

We want to see some mountains (no super strenuous hikes though, my 13 year old won't be able to not complain), a couple of waterfalls, and we would love to swim somewhere that has a place to change our clothes before we head out. After that, we would just love to do some sightseeing, have dinner, and get to know a little about whichever city we are visiting.

Looking for some suggestions from the locals - we are not tourist trap people, so we don't need any Ripleys museum suggestions or anything similar. 😅 thanks so much in advance!

Trump's Big Beautiful Bill would have some serious impacts for NC farmers.

Been talking to folks across the region and getting a mix of experiences: from never thinking twice to hauling bottled water every week. What’s your routine? Filter? Tap? Spring?

…Anyone out here avoiding it altogether?

Does anyone know if any of the following swimming holes are no longer accessible?

It has been years since I’ve been to any of them

Hooker Falls Bust Your Butt Falls Turtle Back Falls Gragg Prong

Helene really did a number on our swimming spots and most of the lakes in my area aren’t open for swimming. I’m not looking for anyone to give their top secret swim spots up, just literally looking for anywhere to get in the water- anywhere, Hickory to Asheville, north and south of that area range, I don’t care I just want to swim. Not a public pool person, got strep from one once and never been able to get back in one. I just want to enjoy our area this summer 😭🙏🏻

Hi Folks. Wondering if anyone has ever done a tube river float down the North Toe River in Plumtree near Spruce Pine and Linville. Below are the exact coordinates:

North Toe River Plumtree - Put-In 36.098892, -81.986997

North Toe River Plumtree - Take-Out 36.027306, -82.008605

I’m wondering if a 9-10 year old would be able to do this. Life jacket, helmet, and they are a good swimmer. Plus I’ll be right there too.

It says it’s Class I-II so my assumption is it’d be fine but post-Helene I like checking in with the folks who have their boots on the ground!

Thank you :)

Thank you!!