As an AT thru hiker I have walked through many of these small towns and experienced the kindness of the people. It is heart breaking to see the damage and knowing many have lost loved ones.
hiked thru there 50 years ago w 2 brothers; we went back in May for a week in town at a beautiful rental; so sad to see this; may everyone hurt by Helene have faith in recovery
I just spent a night there a few weeks ago. I totally fell in love with this beautiful town and its people. Wow, this is heart wrenching. Thank you for the beautiful, yet chilling footage. Hot Springs you are in my heart.
Sending Love from Cape Cod...my favorite little town 8n NC...those Springs are the healing...first place i thought of when i started seeing news from Helen...will be back asap
Drove right through once on my way back to South Carolina. I was blown away at what a charming beautiful town it was. Told my wife we have to come back one day for a weekend. Never got to. Hope they rebuild this place!
Thanks Ben Childers for the drone footage. I wondered what the status of Hot Springs was. I knew it would be bad. For many years the BMW Motorcycle Club of Asheville held a rally there. We had most of a 1000 attendees each September. The town has a rich history. Now a much sadder one.
Skilled documenting of what we in the affected area see as an apocalypse. There will probably be more devastation like this as the weather changes and impacts us in ways never experienced. We need this to be recorded as a reminder to be better prepared next time. Seeing your other wonderful videos made me a subscriber. You deserve to have more people watching your channel
I lived in Hot Springs for ten years, and before that as a thru-hiker passed through and enjoyed the town's hospitality many times. It grieves me to see the heart of the town washed away. Hot Springs is a tourist town and, in addition to the cost of repairing the physical damage to infrastructure, this weather disaster will be a severe economic blow from lost tourism income. To any town residents reading this, know that our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of testing.---Dan Bruce (the thru-hiker formerly known as "Wingfoot")
I have been going to Hot Springs for years now. Hot Springs, Cosby, Marshall, Irwin, Newport...stayed in them all and more in the area and they've all been decimated. I been in every business along "main" street there (as well as the ones not shown) many times and my wife and I are just heartbroken about how ravaged that beautiful, historical town is. Just know that there are at least two people just south of you all, not locals, but very frequent fliers, that are thinking of all of you. We were booked next week above VR for a few days. Received the nicest email from the lady today apologizing profusely that our reservations need to be cancelled. Hope everyone made it through, you recover soon and we look forward to seeing you all when you're ready! We know you'll bounce back!
Thanks for making this video. This is heartbreaking to see. I've been to the hot springs many times with my wife and kids and loved it there. Looks completely devastated.
2:20 my family and I have stayed in this house almost yearly now and just came back from our most recent trip about a month ago. We got a ton of pictures of the beautiful mountains in the backyard plus a ton of the hiking trails, river etc. The home seems to have been untouched but wow. My heart hurts for the families and businesses in this beautiful town. Such sweet and obviously very hardworking people. Please let us know what we can do to help.
SO very sad to see this. Our group has had many camping trips over the years to Hot Springs. Such a wonderful little hamlet. The people here are so wonderful and nice. May God be with each of you.
This crushes me, seeing this... I've been to this area more times than I can count. I've stayed in the campground numerous times, as well as the hot springs resort. At least it appears that the roads took the blunt of the damage, and most of the buildings look to be in fair shape. Hopefully, the town can recovery quickly. ❤
I was born and raised in this area and was wondering how wide spread the destruction reached. Never in my 70 years here has a flood been this catastrophic. Thanks for the video.
I grew up in Mars Hill and my dad just told me how bad it is in Hot Springs. I am heartbroken for the friends and neighbors back in Madison who are suffering in this disaster.
Me & my husband stayed here on the way back from our honeymoon & have been wanting to visit again. Absolutely devastating. Prayers for all those affected ❤️
This is terrible, we have visited this wonderful little community many times. Pray for them, send good vibes, whatever you believe. There are many places that were impacted like this.
I live on the Coast In Beaufort SC. I have seen Damage done by Hurricanes and Tornados! They are Nothing Like this Damage. You have to see it in Person to Understand the Destruction in North Carolina and Tennessee!
We love this area have always wanted to live here if anyone can accommodate me and my wife we have a fifth wheel camper and would love to help rebuild this beautiful gem
We all keep seeing the footage of the town and its horrible damage, were many of the homes damaged? Does anyone know anything about Spring Creek. My parents were both born and raised in Hot Springs and Spring Creek, I spent every summer of my life there and I am so heartbroken. All the memories in those old buildings downtown. Just a couple years ago I brought my husband to Hot Springs for a family reunion and he fell in love with Gentry’s. We were just there two weeks ago. Hot Springs is still the place I want to retire to. Hot Springs Strong
I lived in Spring Creek the last 8 yrs with my dad. I moved for work to Montana this year. From what he has sent me, spring creek was hit bad but isn't quite as devastating as hot springs. 3 of every 4 bridges are damaged or gone. Trust got some water but it is mostly ok. When it comes to individual houses I don't know
@DevilDogDen1775 never saw a chili's or Texas Roadhouse, or a Taco bell or a Starbucks, etc when I ever been.....but sure my bad... The saloon has the best burgers!
I spent a few nights in this town many years while visiting a friend who was hiking the AT. It looks a bit more built up than when I was there. I'm very sorry to see what has happened and pray the people of this town and all of western NC are able to rebuild their lives.
Ben, your editing is way too choppy and is boring as heck..First, start with a nonstop overview fly through from one end of town to the other. Then add in clips but at least 15 seconds long. Yours are way too short and boringly repeatative. You need to focus on one area long enough for the viewer to appreciate and understand the subject. Use short clips at end to close, not in the main reel. Thank you for the work. I love that little town.
One very sad pictures of such a beautiful place where nature meets the road. It breaks my heart... These storms are too big to fail. The sooner NC wakes up, you will be too late. Too bad you elected the 45th all over again his politics are just as bad. Much devotion on recovery. See if Trump gives you a check...
Damn. It's like Al Gore was right all those years ago about climate change causing more and more extreme weather. I'm sorry for all those that are suffering.
I agree the major question seems to already be answered from the video - that Hot Springs will be able to resupply AT hikers next season. But it also points out the overwhelming rejection of the simple wisdom to build above the flood plain.
I'm a licensed drone pilot and live in the effected area. And, I voluntarily grounded myself because im not a selfish prick. If you are selfishly flying over the area for video cred, you are more than likely hampering air rescue efforts. DONT BE THAT STUPID GUY...... LIKE THIS ONE!
@@reapthewhirlwind4166In some cases yes, however if a helicopter was attempting to do anything to help these people the helicopter wouldn't be able to land with the drone flying around
@@TnTAdventuresPhotography why the hateful attitude fellow. You seem kind of unhinged I don't know why you're here on this sight anyway. You should probably stay grounded for a while with that attitude
In college I often went to a nearby park to study on sunny spring days. Not too far from the swing where I sat was a sand box for children. On one afternoon, I watched as a group of little children laughed together, having fun building "Dixie cup" castles without a care in the world. Some built elaborate castles, with towers and moats, others were content with more modest structures. After a while, some older kids, attracted by the laughter, came over. But, they didn’t want to build. Instead, they quickly proceeded to kick down all the castles that the little kids had built before anyone could intervene. Then they left to do more mischief elsewhere, taking the laughter with them and leaving only tears in the sand. That day I saw something defining about human nature. The world is full of castle builders and castle kickers.
As an AT thru hiker I have walked through many of these small towns and experienced the kindness of the people. It is heart breaking to see the damage and knowing many have lost loved ones.
I have often thought how fortunate they are to be away from the coastal hurricanes. I never dreamed this could happen.
Same here ...1976 600 miles and 1995 over 2000 miles of AT
Did Laughing Heart Hostel survive? The Diner? Damn.
hiked thru there 50 years ago w 2 brothers; we went back in May for a week in town at a beautiful rental; so sad to see this; may everyone hurt by Helene have faith in recovery
I recently started following AT thru hikers on YT and learned of these towns and planned to visit this spring.. this is all so sad 😢
thank you. this is my hometown. it's absolutely devastating to see. but thank you for providing a better perspective.
Thanks for posting! I've been in biltmore village since Thursday and have just now been able to see this. Absolutely heartbreaking!
Me as well. I am from Spring Creek. My dad lives there still, I moved to Montana for work this year.
I just spent a night there a few weeks ago. I totally fell in love with this beautiful town and its people. Wow, this is heart wrenching. Thank you for the beautiful, yet chilling footage. Hot Springs you are in my heart.
Sending Love from Cape Cod...my favorite little town 8n NC...those Springs are the healing...first place i thought of when i started seeing news from Helen...will be back asap
Hot Springs is my favorite of all Trail Towns, sending many prayers to this amazing community.
I would visit the springs at least once a year. This saddens me. The ride there is so relaxing and the view is awe inspiring. Wishing you all well.
Drove right through once on my way back to South Carolina. I was blown away at what a charming beautiful town it was. Told my wife we have to come back one day for a weekend. Never got to. Hope they rebuild this place!
Spend a few days there about 3 weeks ago. Loved walking these streets and meeting such nice local folks. This absolutely breaks my heart.
I grew up over the mountain in Tennessee, and Hot Springs has been my happy place. I'm heartbroken by this.
Thanks Ben Childers for the drone footage. I wondered what the status of Hot Springs was. I knew it would be bad. For many years the BMW Motorcycle Club of Asheville held a rally there. We had most of a 1000 attendees each September. The town has a rich history. Now a much sadder one.
Skilled documenting of what we in the affected area see as an apocalypse. There will probably be more devastation like this as the weather changes and impacts us in ways never experienced. We need this to be recorded as a reminder to be better prepared next time.
Seeing your other wonderful videos made me a subscriber. You deserve to have more people watching your channel
My Dad/family pastored there in the early 60’s. So many wonderful families. Prayers
This is heartbreaking 💔 🙏😢 thank you for sharing
I lived in Hot Springs for ten years, and before that as a thru-hiker passed through and enjoyed the town's hospitality many times. It grieves me to see the heart of the town washed away. Hot Springs is a tourist town and, in addition to the cost of repairing the physical damage to infrastructure, this weather disaster will be a severe economic blow from lost tourism income. To any town residents reading this, know that our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of testing.---Dan Bruce (the thru-hiker formerly known as "Wingfoot")
Ive never been to Hot Springs but a dear friend lives there. All the love& prayers to these beautiful ppl& their homes.
I have been going to Hot Springs for years now. Hot Springs, Cosby, Marshall, Irwin, Newport...stayed in them all and more in the area and they've all been decimated. I been in every business along "main" street there (as well as the ones not shown) many times and my wife and I are just heartbroken about how ravaged that beautiful, historical town is. Just know that there are at least two people just south of you all, not locals, but very frequent fliers, that are thinking of all of you. We were booked next week above VR for a few days. Received the nicest email from the lady today apologizing profusely that our reservations need to be cancelled. Hope everyone made it through, you recover soon and we look forward to seeing you all when you're ready! We know you'll bounce back!
Thanks for making this video. This is heartbreaking to see. I've been to the hot springs many times with my wife and kids and loved it there. Looks completely devastated.
2:20 my family and I have stayed in this house almost yearly now and just came back from our most recent trip about a month ago. We got a ton of pictures of the beautiful mountains in the backyard plus a ton of the hiking trails, river etc. The home seems to have been untouched but wow. My heart hurts for the families and businesses in this beautiful town. Such sweet and obviously very hardworking people.
Please let us know what we can do to help.
Hot springs is a special place. This breaks my heart.
My father grew up on farm near Hot Springs. Many great memories on the farm and visiting Hot Springs. Terrible tragedy!
So saddened by this. Devestating!! 🙏 for all.
Rode down there with a buddy last fall from SW Va. It's such a neat quiant little town. So sad all this distruction.
We honeymooned here 10 years ago and still remember the Iron Horse and all the sweet people we met. This is so sad, prayers from Michigan.
SO very sad to see this. Our group has had many camping trips over the years to Hot Springs. Such a wonderful little hamlet. The people here are so wonderful and nice. May God be with each of you.
This crushes me, seeing this... I've been to this area more times than I can count. I've stayed in the campground numerous times, as well as the hot springs resort. At least it appears that the roads took the blunt of the damage, and most of the buildings look to be in fair shape. Hopefully, the town can recovery quickly. ❤
I was born and raised in this area and was wondering how wide spread the destruction reached. Never in my 70 years here has a flood been this catastrophic. Thanks for the video.
Very nice, Ben 🙂
Heart breaking 💔
I grew up in Mars Hill and my dad just told me how bad it is in Hot Springs. I am heartbroken for the friends and neighbors back in Madison who are suffering in this disaster.
I wonder about through hikers on the Appalachian Trail that make their way through this area.
I am planning a 2025 through hike....I may have to push it back depending. But my hike is the least of the worries.
Any word down Silvermine creek road? Right next to river? Uncle is there and no word. Thank you
This is my favorite little town 😭
Me & my husband stayed here on the way back from our honeymoon & have been wanting to visit again. Absolutely devastating. Prayers for all those affected ❤️
My partner and I were there just last December for our anniversary. It's a lovely little town. So awful to see the devastation.
I got engaged here just this summer. Heartbreaking to see the devastation brought on like this. Hot Springs is a special place.
Heartbroken. There are no words.
It’s all so heartbreaking. I’m so sorry. 💔
Hot springs is my favorite place ❤😢.
We were there a few months ago this is so sad😢
So sad. I've stayed in Hot Springs many times over the last decade. I hope the hotel is okay - it was always just outside the drone's view
I haven't heard anything but there's little chance of that I would say. The hotel is right in the flood plane.
2:07 Prayers for help for the people of this commjnity,for strength for restoration.
My hometown 😢 it's nearly unrecognizable
Camped and soaked there many times. I am so sad to see this happen to such good people. The destruction is unimaginable!
Can you hold each view longer? Those of us from here are trying to identify things. The images flip too rapidly. Thanks. And thank you for doing thus.
You can watch it in slo-mo by going to the settings "gear" & choosing playback speed.
Click the Pause button, just like recorded movie.
So sad and heartbreaking that so many have to experience this devastation. Praying for all this has effected. 😢
Looks like it can be repaired though. Some towns are alot worse off right now.
On the ground it's worse. Every business is a complete loss
My good friends live in Hot Springs.. I just talked to them on the phone.. the whole town in completely destroyed.. so sad😢
Does anyone know if Sunnybank Inn was damaged? I love that place.
This is terrible, we have visited this wonderful little community many times. Pray for them, send good vibes, whatever you believe. There are many places that were impacted like this.
Prayers for all...............
Unless NCDOT is wrong, it appears 25-70 through Hotsprings is now open as of today. I wasn't sure if you were from the area and would know for sure.
🙏 🙏
I live on the Coast In Beaufort SC. I have seen Damage done by Hurricanes and Tornados! They are Nothing Like this Damage. You have to see it in Person to Understand the Destruction in North Carolina and Tennessee!
It's sad i was ther in may
We love this area have always wanted to live here if anyone can accommodate me and my wife we have a fifth wheel camper and would love to help rebuild this beautiful gem
We all keep seeing the footage of the town and its horrible damage, were many of the homes damaged? Does anyone know anything about Spring Creek. My parents were both born and raised in Hot Springs and Spring Creek, I spent every summer of my life there and I am so heartbroken. All the memories in those old buildings downtown. Just a couple years ago I brought my husband to Hot Springs for a family reunion and he fell in love with Gentry’s. We were just there two weeks ago. Hot Springs is still the place I want to retire to. Hot Springs Strong
I lived in Spring Creek the last 8 yrs with my dad. I moved for work to Montana this year. From what he has sent me, spring creek was hit bad but isn't quite as devastating as hot springs. 3 of every 4 bridges are damaged or gone. Trust got some water but it is mostly ok. When it comes to individual houses I don't know
Does anyone know if the diner was affected?
Insurance is going to be so expensive you will be forced to self insure and will only build if you have the cash. That's the future after this mess.
This being up in the mountains, many don't carry flood insurance to cover this kind of damage. Most likely will have to go through fema.
Insurance generally covers fire and things like trees falling on the house. Flood and landslide are specifically mentioned as not be covered.
Everything is so expensive. Most of us will not be able to afford to build.
The last bad flood was in 1977, I’m from here. It’s sad! So sad to see friends and family’s devastated by this.
🙏🙏
I spent a lot of time here as a kid, family is from the area. Still have some family there (not in town). Just very sad to see the destruction.
Its a dam shame, so many people have lost everything. It will take yrs to over come this.
What happened to Duckett House and Magnolia House? Any damage from the storm? Update pls. Thanks.
Following… I love the Magnolia House. I had my commitment ceremony there and an anniversary.
So sorry for all of you suffering with this devistation praying for you all ❤❤❤
I wonder if Stackhouse survived
post 10 is gonna be busy.
best viewed at 1/2 speed with the sound off. Seems edited for entertainment, rather than documentation.
Don't let them Commercialize your Communities. Stay Strong ❤
Hot Springs is already commercialized.... It's either that, or they go flat broke.....
@DevilDogDen1775 never saw a chili's or Texas Roadhouse, or a Taco bell or a Starbucks, etc when I ever been.....but sure my bad... The saloon has the best burgers!
Prayers for all on this plane of existence who are currently in need of divine assistance. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
😢😢😢
I spent a few nights in this town many years while visiting a friend who was hiking the AT. It looks a bit more built up than when I was there. I'm very sorry to see what has happened and pray the people of this town and all of western NC are able to rebuild their lives.
So sad that such a cute tourist town was almost wiped out. I sure hope they can eventually rebuild by the grace of God.
😢
Ben, your editing is way too choppy and is boring as heck..First, start with a nonstop overview fly through from one end of town to the other. Then add in clips but at least 15 seconds long. Yours are way too short and boringly repeatative. You need to focus on one area long enough for the viewer to appreciate and understand the subject. Use short clips at end to close, not in the main reel.
Thank you for the work. I love that little town.
One very sad pictures of such a beautiful place where nature meets the road. It breaks my heart... These storms are too big to fail. The sooner NC wakes up, you will be too late. Too bad you elected the 45th all over again his politics are just as bad. Much devotion on recovery. See if Trump gives you a check...
Damn. It's like Al Gore was right all those years ago about climate change causing more and more extreme weather. I'm sorry for all those that are suffering.
Don't believe it, Al Gore is a grifter and has never been right about anything.
Maybe if we all just deny that the flood is happening, maybe that will fix the problem 👍
most of the country pretends poor Whites don't exist already, don't see why this would change anything.
I agree the major question seems to already be answered from the video - that Hot Springs will be able to resupply AT hikers next season. But it also points out the overwhelming rejection of the simple wisdom to build above the flood plain.
Jesus is Lord..remember Him..😎
I'm a licensed drone pilot and live in the effected area. And, I voluntarily grounded myself because im not a selfish prick. If you are selfishly flying over the area for video cred, you are more than likely hampering air rescue efforts.
DONT BE THAT STUPID GUY...... LIKE THIS ONE!
I thought that footage like this was needed to assess the damage.
@@reapthewhirlwind4166In some cases yes, however if a helicopter was attempting to do anything to help these people the helicopter wouldn't be able to land with the drone flying around
@@reapthewhirlwind4166 need for who?????? You??
@@TnTAdventuresPhotography why the hateful attitude fellow. You seem kind of unhinged I don't know why you're here on this sight anyway. You should probably stay grounded for a while with that attitude
In college I often went to a nearby park to study on sunny spring days. Not too far from the swing where I sat was a sand box for children. On one afternoon, I watched as a group of little children laughed together, having fun building "Dixie cup" castles without a care in the world. Some built elaborate castles, with towers and moats, others were content with more modest structures. After a while, some older kids, attracted by the laughter, came over. But, they didn’t want to build. Instead, they quickly proceeded to kick down all the castles that the little kids had built before anyone could intervene. Then they left to do more mischief elsewhere, taking the laughter with them and leaving only tears in the sand. That day I saw something defining about human nature. The world is full of castle builders and castle kickers.
YA'LL ENEMY COMBATANTS BEING WEATHER WARFARED UPON A LA "OPERATION POPEYE"
pls stop with the boomer posting. take your meds
If you are not on meds ,you 😢
Should be !!!
@johnbreeden397 muri cans the dumbest people on earth hahaha 😆 😂
This shit is devastating, there was so much history that just got washed off these hills.
Anyone know if the hotel and campground were affected?