Montreat and Hurricane Helene

At this time we ask that non-residents refrain from traveling to the region until conditions improve and the state of emergency has been lifted. While this region means so much to so many, an increase of people strains the limited resources available and hinders emergency relief efforts. To show your support, please donate to a organization rendering aid to the region or, to support Montreat directly, donate to the Montreat Hurricane Relief Fund.

Donate to Montreat's Hurricane Relief Fund

Debris in Lake Susan clogging the dam.On Friday, September 27, Lake Susan and Flat Creek swelled to historic levels following heavy rainfall brought on by Hurricane Helene. This led to catastrophic flooding throughout the town of Montreat. High winds downed trees and power lines resulting in widespread power and water outages. In the days that followed, Town of Montreat staff and emergency crews worked tirelessly to repair roads, clear debris, and restore power and water resources.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, we know that several of our buildings have suffered water damage and are currently undergoing repairs. Our recreational areas—including Lake Susan, our trail system, and Robert Lake Park—are closed until significant repairs can be made.

Please read below about the changes that are being made to guest groups, conferences, and access to our campus.

Montreat Status Updates

We've been regularly communicating updates to the community as things happen in Montreat. Below are links to those communications:

  • Hurricane Update 10/11/2024 – Blog Post

  • Hurricane Update 10/7/2024 – Blog Post

  • Hurricane Update 10/3/2024 – Blog Post

  • Hurricane Update 10/1/2024 – Blog Post

  • Hurricane Update 9/29/2024 – Blog Post

    • Guest Groups

    All guest groups have been postponed until October 26. Our Retreats and Conference Registration teams should have been in contact with all participants and are following up on next steps to process changes and adjust registrations as appropriate. Please be patient with us as we work through this difficult time.

    For guest groups scheduled to visit between October 17 and December 1, please view hour Hurricane Helene Retreat FAQ.

    Conferees

    All conferences through October 26th have been canceled. Please note, some maybe rescheduled for a future date. This includes:

    • Christians as Voting People of Faith
    • Wee Kirk Conference
    • Earth & Soul Retreat
    • The Great Search, and
    • The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (Columbia Theological Seminary event)

    Our team is currently working to process refunds and will reach out to affected groups or individuals in the days to come. If you want more information about a specific conference, updates will be communicated on the conference event page.

    Registrations for upcoming events will open on the following dates:

    • College Conference @ Montreat: October 15, 2024
    • Montreat Youth Conference: October 22, 2024
    • Montreat Middle School Conference: October 22, 2024
    • The Manna Retreat: October 29, 2024

    If you have additional questions about one of these events, please reach out to central@montreat.org.

    Montreat Wilderness and Campgrounds

    Due to extensive damage, the Montreat Campgrounds are now closed until the Spring of 2025. Refunds and registration changes will be made to all affected guests.

    The Montreat Wilderness and trail system is currently closed as damage is being assessed.

    Other Spaces

    We are glad to report that the Nancy Holland Sibley Memorial Garden has minimal damage from the storm. It is closed at this time due to repairs needed to the entrance path. The Columbarium wall and the scattering path have some debris but fared well.