The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is collaborating with Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) and Conservation Corps NC (CCNC) to support several youth conservation corps crews, who are restoring trails severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. In 2025, SAWS completed eight “hitches” at Linville Falls, rerouting trails, improving tread, and building rock stairs to enhance visitor access to the Plunge Basin. In 2026, SAWS crews will complete an additional six hitches at the site. CCNC’s work on multiple Parkway trails began in February 2026 and is scheduled to continue through November. These initiatives advance multiple Blue Ridge Rising priorities by providing youth and young adults with workforce development opportunities while also protecting natural resources and improving visitors’ hiking experiences.
Youth Conservation Corps
Workforce Education, Project Updates
