SAWS Mobilizes Storm Response to Reopen Trail Access in Wilderness

SAWS Hurricane Crew clears remote sections of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee. (March 2025)

Asheville, NC — May 5, 2025 — After Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Tennessee’s wilderness areas, the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) quickly mobilized expert trail crews to restore access for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

SAWS crew member clearing debris for Buncombe County community. (October 2024)

Immediately following the storm, SAWS shifted its seasonal workforce to support urgent community needs, including clearing North Cove Elementary School, gutting businesses in the River Arts District, delivering firewood to remote residents, and assisting food distribution at Yancey County Fire Department. Early recovery efforts were made possible by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the NC Disaster Relief Fund, and the Rock Harbor Foundation.

By early 2025, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) identified an urgent need for trail crews. SAWS rehired experienced staff and deployed teams within a week. In Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, a six-person professional team with two advanced certified crosscut sawyers reopened nearly 10 miles of the AT. In nearby Pond Mountain Wilderness, crews cleared hundreds of downed trees—some stacked 15 feet high—restoring access for thru-hikers and day-hikers alike.

Crew members on the Appalachian Trail prior to clearing (March 2025)

Work has now expanded to Linville Gorge Wilderness and the Appalachian Ranger District. Across projects, SAWS crews have cleared over 600 trees and made thousands of cuts using only traditional crosscut saws and hand tools—completing the work safely and without a single injury. This low-impact approach protects wilderness character while demonstrating the speed and skill of expert stewardship.

Hundreds of trees cleared along AT wilderness sections in Tennessee (March 2025)

Despite this success, federal quick release funds awarded for the disaster response remain frozen, creating significant financial strain. Thanks to critical support from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), SAWS has continued urgent trail recovery efforts during this uncertainty.

This project highlights the need for faster federal coordination during disasters and shows that preserving wilderness character and effective storm response can go hand-in-hand.

“We're incredibly proud to have served our community in this way,” said Kaitlin de Varona, SAWS Executive Director. “This project shows what’s possible when skilled wilderness stewards and committed partners act quickly, work safely, and uphold the highest standards of conservation. We’re grateful to the U.S. Forest Service, ATC, and all our partners for trusting SAWS to meet this critical need.”

Learn more about SAWS and its mission at www.wildernessstewards.org.

Slide show of Hurricane Crew working in Tennessee to clear the Appalachian Trail in wilderness.