With 41 state parks, 10 national park sites + four national forests, North Carolina has no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Now, a new option is in the works – the 100+ mile Wilderness Gateway State Trail, which includes a hiking + paddle trail and will connect Chimney Rock State Park and South Mountains State Park. It will be N.C.’s seventh state trail and has three main purposes – conservation, recreation + tourism.
The N.C. General Assembly authorized the trail’s creation last year, and Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law. After wrapping up a feasibility study, officials met with residents in WNC to talk about possibilities for the long-distance trail system.
Here’s what we know about the trail system –
- The trail has 10 segments total. It will cross Catawba, Burke, McDowell, and Rutherford counties, connect to Hickory and Valdese, and connect with the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and the Overmountain Victory Trail.
- The paddle trail will cross the Henry Fork and Jacobs Fork Rivers and will include multiple access points – so you can float for a few hours or a few days.
- It will include mountain biking + equestrian trails.
- Campsites and campgrounds could eventually serve multi-day hikers + boaters.
- It could boost local economies. According to Smith Raynor, a state trails planner, regional + state trails increase property values and lower community health costs. They also bolster local businesses serving hikers + canoeists.
In spite of widespread support, a few challenges exist –
- No funding was given for the trail in spite of its passage – money will need to come from private donations + grants.
- State trails cross county and municipality lines as well as public + private land. Right now, planners are looking for more section sponsors – i.e. groups, public agencies (including counties), and organizations to handle land acquisition, manage easements, or accept leases. The state does not condemn land for state trails.
- A nonprofit (like Friends of the MST) could be formed to help fundraise for everything from land acquisition and trail maintenance to blueway infrastructure (think river access + restrooms) for the paddle trail.
- The trail will cross I-40 – so a pedestrian connector will be needed. Luckily, there’s one already in the works from the N.C. DOT that will be added when the overpass at Exit 111 (Valdese) is replaced.
- Although true completion of the trail could take decades, planners are hoping to get sections open for people to enjoy much sooner than that.
Want to chime in on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail? The state is accepting public comments + feedback through Feb. 28, and input on the plan + trail sections will be shared with segment managers.
