ATC Announces Detour Around Major Hurricane Helene Bridge Washout

The ATC has received confirmation from USFS, TN DOT, and the town of Erwin, TN to publish a 3.6-mile road walk detour around the Nolichucky River. The Chestoa Bridge, which was where the AT used to cross the river at northbound mile 344.6, was completely destroyed during the storm. The detour reroutes hikers over another bridge further north on Jackson Highway.

More than 80 percent of the 49 Tennessee state roads that were initially closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene have now been reopened, but the Chestoa Bridge replacement is expected to cost an estimated $12.8 million, and county officials are still working to secure federal funding, local news outlet WCYB News 5 reported last month.

The bridge provided AT hikers safe passage over the Nolichucky River and was suspended dozens of feet over the water level in normal times. Dramatic photos and videos from Hurricane Helene show floodwaters overflowing the bridge and eventually washing it away completely, with one large section ultimately lodging in the streambank downstream.

Uncle Johnny’s hostel, a favorite among thru-hikers, is located on the banks of the Nolichucky adjacent to the site of the now-obliterated Chestoa Bridge. Originally feared to have been destroyed by the storm, the hostel sustained heavy damage but is rebuilding.

The Chestoa Bridge detour. Map via ATC.

ATC warns that road-walking can be hazardous for obvious reasons, particularly the initial 0.5-mile stretch on River Road/Unaka Spring Road, which is narrow, has no shoulder, and is seeing heavy truck traffic right now due to repairs on the railroad upstream.

Hikers are advised to walk on the left side of the road (against traffic) as much as possible, wear bright colors, and have their headlamps on and lit even during the day to increase visibility. They should also walk single-file and avoid the road walk after dark.

The full details of the reroute can be viewed here.

Much of the AT itself has been reopened, but the Conservancy warns that even in open sections, storm damage may have dramatically affected the treadway and more treefalls and landslides are still possible. The miles immediately south and north of the Nolichucky River crossing are currently open. Several sections are still closed between northbound mile markers 327.7 and 444.8, totaling some 65 miles of closures remaining.

Get up-to-date information on AT trail closures here.

A hiker crosses the now-destroyed Chestoa Bridge in 2019. Photo: Brian Kavanagh

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