Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival
ABOUT OLD FORT
Growth in
Old Fort
Old Fort, North Carolina was well on its way to becoming a notable destination for outdoor recreation, combining rich history with natural beauty. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town offers various opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring nature, with legendary trails like Kitsuma and destinations such as Catawba Falls. Since 2022, 17 businesses and 20 miles of trails have opened in Old Fort.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina on September 26-27, 2024, caused significant damage across Western North Carolina. Old Fort saw record rainfall, which led to serious flooding in local neighborhoods and public areas. Floodwaters damaged homes, schools, and businesses, with vehicles and homes being washed into unexpected locations. Rescue operations were extensive, as hundreds of people needed assistance. Over 50 homes were lost, with countless more experiencing significant damage and loss. None of these homeowners have flood insurance, leaving them with severe financial challenges as they begin the recovery process.
Rebuilding
Old Fort
At the heart of the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival is a commitment to excellence and community, brought to life by the dedicated teams at Camp Grier, Tanawha Adventures, Pisgah Productions, and the G5 Trail Collective. From the carefully selected trails that showcase the natural beauty of Old Fort and Pisgah National Forest to the seamless event logistics, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to provide participants with an unforgettable experience. Our passion for the outdoors, combined with a shared vision for helping rebuild this resilient community, drives our meticulous attention to detail at every level of the event. Once the event is complete we are dedicated to dispersing funds as quickly, effectively, and responsibly as possible, working with other partners to rebuild homes in Old Fort.