Paddle Safely – Read This Before Getting Out on the Water!
Plan ahead. Wear your life jacket. Know the water. Return safely. North Carolina offers incredible opportunities to explore by canoe, kayak, raft, stand-up paddleboard, and tube—from mountain rivers and quiet lakes to sounds, marshes, and coastal waters....
Bridging the Great Trails State: The Story Behind North Carolina’s Trail Bridges
Have you ever stopped in the middle of a trail bridge and wondered how it got there? Whether you're crossing a mountain stream in Pisgah National Forest, pedaling across a greenway bridge in Charlotte, or walking through a coastal boardwalk at Dismal Swamp...
More Than a Trail: The Swannanoa Greenway Could Guide the Valley’s Future
More Than a Trail: The Swannanoa Greenway Could Guide the Valley's Future Most people think of a greenway as a place to walk, run, or ride a bike. But in Swannanoa, a proposed greenway is becoming something much bigger. That idea came into focus during a recent...
The Overmountain Victory Trail: Exploring a Revolutionary War Story as America Turns 250
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there’s no better time to revisit one of the nation’s most important Revolutionary War stories, and one of North Carolina’s most significant historic trails. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail follows the...
Recovery and Resilience Through Trails: A Testament to Community Strength in the Great Trails State Post-Helene
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the landscapes and communities of Western North Carolina have faced an unprecedented test. The storm's damage was catastrophic, altering the southern Appalachian region in unimaginable ways—forests flattened, homes and livelihoods...
Exploring The Great Trails State’s State Trails
How do you follow an event like Year of the Trail? You don’t. You build on it. Last year's Year of the Trail was intended to promote North Carolina’s vast trail system. Hiking trails, sure, but paddling, biking and equestrian as well. Year of the Trail events were...
Four Long-Distance Trails in The Great Trails State
Exploring North Carolina's Long-Distance Trails... North Carolina boasts a diverse landscape, from the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the shores of the Outer Banks. Among its natural wonders are its long-distance trails, offering adventurers a chance to immerse...
Restoring the Heart of the Community: The Great Coharie River Initiative
In the heart of Sampson County, North Carolina, a remarkable initiative is quietly reshaping the landscape and rejuvenating the spirit of a community. The Great Coharie River Initiative, launched in 2015, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the...
The Future of Trail Development in North Carolina
The evolution of intentional trail design has progressed over the years and there are many people in NC on the cutting edge of trail development. Chuck Flink gives a glimpse into the future of trail development in NC.
Trailblazing in Burke County and Across the State
Trails don’t build themselves and it takes a great deal of motivation and innovation to get trails on the ground. Beth Heile took it upon herself to champion trails in Valdese