Noli Love: Restore the Nolichucky and Rebuild USA Raft

Matt Moses is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, I'm Matt. If you've ever visited USA Raft, chances are we've met. I've spent years there, building an incredible team and a place for all to enjoy. Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on our region, and she didn't spare the Nolichucky, not even an ounce. We are truly grateful that the entire staff at USA Raft has been accounted for, and we are hopeful for the future, but we have our work cut out for us. The path to reopening is daunting, and it starts with cleaning and restoring our beloved Nolichucky River to a state that can be used for recreation. We're asking for support in this effort, because we can't do it alone.

Our office manager, Tiffany, has put it into words perfectly:

Our Appalachian home has always been a place of

rugged beauty and enduring spirit, but Hurricane Helene has tested us like never before. The storm has left a trail of destruction through our region, and USA Raft, a beloved hub for outdoor adventure and community, has been hit hard. For years, we’ve been proud to offer thrilling experiences on the Nolichucky River that runs through these ancient mountains, but now we need your help to rebuild, restore, and bring back the adventure that defines the Appalachian spirit.

Why USA Raft Matters to our Community

For many years, USA Raft has been a vital part of Erwin, TN, providing not just outdoor thrills, but a connection to the wild and wonderful beauty of this region. Our business supports local jobs, draws in tourism to help the economy, and offers a space for everyone to experience the magic of the Appalachian Mountains and rivers. Families, schools, and adventure groups rely on us to offer a unique blend of fun and education that’s deeply rooted in the culture of Appalachia. USA Raft has always been more than just an adventure business; it’s a community. For years, we’ve provided safe and thrilling outdoor activities, employed local workers, and supported the local economy. Now, we need your help to bring back that spirit of adventure and community.

How You Can Help

Rebuilding USA Raft is about more than just fixing rafts and structures—it’s about restoring a piece of the Appalachian spirit. Rebuilding is a monumental task, but we are not giving up. With your support, we plan to:

Clear Debris and Restore the Riverbanks: The storm left our property littered with debris, fallen trees, and wreckage. We need help clearing and restoring the natural beauty of our surroundings to ensure the environment is safe and welcoming for visitors and wildlife alike.

Repair Damaged Structures: Our cabins, trails, and common areas were severely impacted by flooding and high winds. We need to repair and rebuild these essential facilities so that we can once again provide comfortable, safe spaces for visitors to enjoy.

Rebuild Launch Areas and River Access: The storm destroyed key parts of our river access infrastructure, including take-out and launch points. These areas are critical for our rafting activities and must be rebuilt from the ground up.

Restore Trails and Outdoor Spaces: Many of the hiking trails and outdoor gathering spots on our property were washed away or buried under debris. Restoring these areas is vital to offering the full outdoor experience that draws so many to Appalachia.

Our Goal

We’re seeking to raise funds to not only rebuild USA Raft but also to restore the natural beauty of our land and support the Appalachian community that relies on us. The funds will be used to clean up debris, restore our riverbanks, rebuild our damaged structures, and create a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike.

This isn’t just about getting back to business—it’s about preserving a vital piece of the Appalachian outdoor community. By helping us rebuild, you’re contributing to the recovery of local jobs, the protection of the natural environment, and the revival of a space where people can once again gather, explore, and connect with the beauty of this region.

Every dollar gets us one step closer to welcoming you back and ensuring USA Raft continues to serve as a cornerstone of adventure and community here in Appalachia.

USA Raft isn’t just a business—it’s a gathering place for the people of Appalachia and those who come from all over to explore the wonders of our mountains and rivers. The resilience of this region runs deep, and together, we can rebuild stronger than ever. Your donation will help us bring back jobs, restore the local environment, and continue serving the people who love and rely on us.

Help Us Rebuild!

If you’ve ever felt the thrill of rafting down the river, if you’ve ever camped along these storied hills, or if you simply believe in the strength and beauty of this land, we ask you to give what you can.

Together, we can ride the waves and come back stronger. Much gratitude from,

The USA Raft Team

Noli Love

From the Desk of Moses- Helene Edition