Marshall is a resilient N.C. town back on track after Hurricane Helene
Marshall is a picturesque mountain town in western North Carolina that is slowly but surely recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which swept through this arts-loving community along the French Broad River in September of 2024. The heart of town was hit especially hard, as the adjacent river crested at a record 27 feet. Main Street was inundated with mud and debris, its businesses and nearby homes taking the brunt of the damage. The iconic Madison County courthouse, the most notable building on Main Street, remains closed. Some businesses did not survive, but others adapted and many have reopened. Marshall High Studios, the center of the community’s arts scene, reopened in July 2025 and stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience.
Marshall Relief Alliance, arts community instrumental in recovery
The Marshall Relief Alliance has been instrumental in the town’s recovery, providing nearly $900,000 in material support and tens of thousands in business grants. The non-profit organization has contributed countless volunteer hours, and it continues to run a community kitchen and keep an updated list of community needs. The latter allows the alliance to efficiently direct resources to those most in need. The arts community has also played an important role. A month before Marshall High Studios reopened, the “After the Flood: Marks Left by Helene” exhibit was held during Marshall Magic Days, a four-day signature event. After the reopening, the Dirty Broads Fashion Show helped raise funds for ongoing recovery efforts, including help for a local artist whose home and studio were lost to flooding.
Mountain homes escaped damage done to riverfront properties
The French Broad River snakes its way through the city limits and follows the path of Main Street much of the way. The result is that many homes in the lower-lying areas of the community were significantly damaged or destroyed. Several homes have been renovated in the past year. Homes in the more mountainous areas on the outskirts of town escaped the worst of the damage. Regardless of location, homeowners typically enjoy spacious lots and appealing mountain views. Manufactured homes, older cottage-style homes, ranch-style homes, rustic homes, newer homes in planned developments and custom homes can be found among an eclectic mix of options. Prices typically range from around $120,000 to $700,000-plus, but large acreage homes can sell for more than $1 million. The median sales price is around $450,000. Marshall’s Cap Index Crime Score of 1-out-of-10 signifies an area with the lowest possible crime rate.
Popular Main Street businesses are back up and running
Marshall’s tourism-based economy and small-town charm are largely dependent on its local businesses in the heart of town. Popular Main Street destinations such as Zuma Coffee, Mad Co. Brew House and On Your Bike have reopened. On Your Bike, a café and cycle shop, was completely destroyed by flooding, and Zuma Coffee was awash in more than 8 feet of floodwaters. The owners of Star Diner reimagined their restaurant in the wake of significant damage and created Star Taco, a casual eatery in a new Main Street location. Nearby Zadie’s Kitchen on the riverfront has also reopened. More shopping and dining options can be found along local highways east of downtown. These include Ingles Markets grocery store and Bonnie and Clyde’s Appalachian Cuisine, which helped feed residents in Helene’s wake.
Highly-rated schools, and a pair of high school options in town
Madison County Public Schools, a Marshall- based district, earns an A-minus from Niche. Madison High School, rated C-plus, and Madison Early College High School, rated A, share a campus just outside the city limits. The latter has a cap of around 60 students per grade. Brush Creek Elementary and Madison Middle schools also share a campus north of town. Both are rated A-minus. During a brief closure in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the schools were used as community resource centers. As of the start of the 2025-26 school year, the schools were once again fully operational.
French Broad River drives recreation, tourist economy
Outdoor recreation is another driver of the regional economy. Several businesses feature river rafting trips. That includes French Broad Adventures, which also offers zip-lining, canyoneering and off-road E-biking. Tubing has become a popular activity as well, and fishing always has been. The area is also known for horseback riding and hiking. The town park on Blannahassett Island just off Main Street remains closed.
Easy access to Asheville
Residents can catch Interstate 26 about 12 miles away in Weaverville for travel into Asheville. The region’s premier city, which is home to Mission Hospital and a VA facility, is about a 20-mile drive from Marshall. The city’s regional airport is a little more than 30 miles away via I-26.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
