Support Blue Ridge Hiking Co Guides After Hurricane Helene

In late September 2024, Western NC suffered catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Helene. We've experienced historic flooding, leaving many areas in our region inaccessible. We've been without power, water, internet, or cell service for days, and we don't have a timeline for restoration of these services.

We are incredibly grateful that all members of our team are safe and accounted for! Some of our folks have suffered damage to their homes and vehicles, which need urgent repair. Several of our team have had to evacuate the area.

Public lands - which we love so dearly - have not been assessed yet. We expect extended trail and road closures throughout the National Forests and National Parks where we guide. This unfortunately leaves our team without work during the busiest season of the year. Close to 25% of our revenue and guide pay for the season normally comes from October trips!

All funds contributed to this fundraiser will be distributed to our guide team directly to replace their lost income while we're closed. Our initial fundraising goal of $25,000 will allow us to pay staff in full for October. If we meet this initial goal, we'll increase the goal to help cover off-season costs that are usually paid from October revenue.

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is a hiking and backpacking guide service based in Asheville, NC. We believe the trail is there for everyone, at every phase of life. We guide throughout Western NC, including over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. We are a small, queer woman owned business with a team of around 20 guides. This fundraiser is being organized by Lindsey Barr, owner and manager of Blue Ridge Hiking Company.