VHB was engaged by the National Park Service (NPS) to strengthen Linville Falls’s resilience against future storms after 2024’s Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, bringing historic rainfall to the region. This Category 4 storm inundated the Linville Falls visitor center with more than 12 feet of water and caused an estimated $1.7 billion in damage across the recreation area. The storm triggered landslides, which damaged trails, campgrounds, overlooks, and infrastructure and disrupted the visitor experience throughout one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most visited destinations.
Drawing on experience from disaster recovery efforts following Hurricanes Sandy, Isabel, Irma, Ivan, and Irene as well as experience at Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, VHB is helping to restore access to this beloved destination. In collaboration with the NPS, park stakeholders and geotechnical specialists, VHB is addressing slope instability, managing active flood zones, and navigating limited access challenges. Our approach supports both immediate recovery needs and long-term stewardship, enabling the park to better withstand future events while preserving the natural character and resources that make Linville Falls a cherished outdoor destination for visitors and the surrounding community.
