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the GREAT STATE A Guide for Exploring the Trails of With an abundance of trails and diverse COASTAL PLAIN | DUCK landscapes, North Carolina is a unique gem in the southeastern . Whether you’re interested in climbing a mountain, paddling along a river, or biking along a coastal , exploring the trails will allow you to experience the diverse landscapes and communities of North Carolina. Photo Credit: of Duck Town Cover: Greenway; Alta Planning + Design REGIONAL & STATEWIDE TRAILS & STATEWIDE REGIONAL

MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA STATE TRAIL www.ncmountainstosea.org

The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST) is a Regional & continuous off-road trail that will stretch about 1,000 Statewide Trails miles from the to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the . The trail is a Explore a whole region of North Carolina or even the charming mixture of natural surface through remote entire state by using a few of the statewide and regional wilderness and paved greenways through cities and trail systems. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, East Coast towns, representing the diversity of North Carolina. Greenway, and Carolina Thread Trail are all currently under Over 600 miles are already developed and in use. development, but the completed sections are open for use. These trail systems seek to connect existing greenways and to offer an expanded trail network that allows for the www.greenway.org exploration and appreciation of nature. The East Coast Greenway is a shared-use trail system that will provide a continuous route along the eastern coast from Canada to . In North Carolina, the current route runs through the Triangle, region, Fayetteville, and the . Currently, about twenty-five percent of the trail is on traffic-free greenways in NC, offering safe and accessible corridors for users of all abilities and ages.

CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL www.carolinathreadtrail.org

The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of over 220 miles of greenways, blueways, conserved corridors, and trails that connect 15 counties and two states. The vision for the Carolina Thread Trail originated from a regional process that identified open space preservation as a top priority. Activities offered along this trail include , biking, and paddling.

PIEDMONT | Photo Credit: Dave Connelly TRAILS IN STATE IN PARKS TRAILS

COASTAL PLAIN | DISMAL SWAMP Photo Credit:

Trails in State Parks

Conservation, recreation, and MOUNTAINMOUNTAIN PIEDMONTPIEDMONT COASTALCOASTAL PLAIN PLAIN education are hallmarks of the STATE STATEPARKS PARKS STATE STATEPARKS PARKS STATE STATEPARKS PARKS state BICYCLINGpark BICYCLINGsystem. The North ChimneyChimney Rock Rock CarversCarvers Creek Creek Clis ofClis the ofNeuse the Neuse CrowdersCrowders Mountain Mountain Eno RiverEno River DismalDismal Swamp Swamp CarolinaWALKING/HIKING stateWALKING/HIKING parks system encompasses more than 225,000 Elk KnobElk Knob Falls LakeFalls Lake GooseGoose Creek Creek EQUESTRIANEQUESTRIAN acres of land and seeks to GorgesGorges Haw RiverHaw River Jones JonesLake Lake preserve the natural resources GrandfatherGrandfather Mountain Mountain JordanJordan Lake Lake Lake WaccamawLake Waccamaw

of the state while offering HangingHanging Rock Rock Kerr LakeKerr Lake MedocMedoc Mountain Mountain outdoor recreation opportunities. Lake JamesLake James LumberLumber River River MerchantsMerchants Millpond Millpond

Hundreds of miles of trails Lake NormanLake Norman Mayo RiverMayo River PettigrewPettigrew with varying levels of difficulty MountMount Jeerson Jeerson OcconeecheeOcconeechee Mountain Mountain SingletarySingletary Lake Lake

can be found within the state MountMount Mitchell Mitchell RavenRaven Rock Rock CarolinaCarolina Beach Beach

parks. Aside from activities like MorrowMorrow Mountain Mountain WeymouthWeymouth Woods Woods Fort FisherFort Fisher hiking and biking, there are also New RiverNew River WilliamWilliam B. Umstead B. Umstead Fort MaconFort Macon equestrian, paddle, and accessible Pilot MountainPilot Mountain HammocksHammocks Beach Beach trails for persons with disabilities. South SouthMountains Mountains Jockey’sJockey’s Ridge Ridge

Visit www.ncparks.gov

Stone StoneMountain Mountain

saoC WALKING/ saoC BICYCLING HIKING EQUESTRIAN PADDLE NORTH CAROLINA’S LONGEST TRAILS North Carolina’s

Photo Credit: ITRE Longest Trails

NEUSE RIVER TRAIL (LONGEST GREENWAY)

The offers scenic views of the Neuse River, winding wetlands, boardwalk, historical sites, interpretive signs, and agricultural fields. Open to cyclists and pedestrians, the Neuse River Trail is the longest greenway trail in North Carolina, spanning 28 miles with connections to the Raleigh System. The trail is a section of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, and a portion of it is designated as the East Coast Greenway.

NEUSE RIVER PADDLE TRAIL (LONGEST PADDLE TRAIL)

If strolling the Neuse River Greenway Trail doesn’t satisfy, users can paddle the river instead. With canoe launches along the river, a quick trip can be made to relax and view wildlife or a several-day adventure can be had from Falls Dam to New Bern. A main feature along the 142 mile paddle trail is the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with breathtaking riverside cliffs that soar 70 feet above the water.

MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA STATE TRAIL: BALSAM TO STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK SEGMENT (LONGEST HIKING TRAIL)

This 270-mile segment of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail provides stunning mountain vistas and dramatic waterfalls. As you hike some of the most challenging terrain in the state, you will be able to see four states from the top of , walk through the ghost forest at Graveyard Falls, and immerse yourself in the history of this place and its people. The route follows part of the Blue Ridge and passes through , Biltmore Forest, State Park, and State Park. | NEUSE RIVER TRAIL These are just a sampling of North Carolina’s greatest trails. Explore These were selected based on input from residents and visitors about their favorite trails, trail length, and a desire to feature a NORTH CAROLINA’S TRAILS variety of trail types across the state. North Carolina is fortunate to have many great trails, and this booklet may be updated in future years to feature more of them.

Ararat/ Roanoke Canal Taylor Neuse River Greenway Trail/Roanoke Trail Trail River Paddle Trail 25 29 14 Rocky Knob 36 MTB Park 7 23 Art Loeb 28 Paddle Trail 5 Trail 15 26 9 Nags Salem Deep River 10 Crabtree 40 Head Creek Paddle Creek Path Tsali Greenway 31 Greenway Trail 37 Tar River Recreation 4 Black Creek/ 30 33 Paddle Trail Area 27 32 White 3 PIEDMONT Greenway 17 MOUNTAIN 21 Walnut COASTAL 22 Mallard/ 8 Creek 20 24 Clark's Creek Greenway PLAIN 18 19 2 Greenway 16 Bearwallow 6 Cape Fear 1 Mountain 35 River Trail 34 Trail Murphy Little Brevard Thermal All 13 Riverwalk and Tennessee Greenway Belt Rail American Trail Trail Canoe Trail River Greenway 38 39

FEATURED TRAILS Camp Emerald 11 Lejeune Isle Bike Jackrabbit Little Sugar Trail Path 1 6 11 Trail Creek Greenway Paddle Trail 12 Dupont Hanging Rock Gary Shell 2 State Forest 7 State Park 12 Cross-City Trail

French Broad Uwharrie Neusiok 3 River Paddle Trail 8 National 13 Trail and Greenway Recreation Trail Dismal Swamp Mount Mitchell Bicentennial 14 Canal Trail and 4 State Park 9 Greenway Paddle Trail

Yadkin River American Duck Trail and 5 Greenway and 10 Tobacco Trail 15 Boardwalk Paddle Trail Explore The rest of this booklet is organized by the state’s three NORTH CAROLINA’S TRAILS distinct regions—Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain— and features five trails within each region. Get ready to start exploring the great trails of North Carolina.

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5 9 15 10 4 3 PIEDMONT MOUNTAIN COASTAL 8 PLAIN 2 6 1 13

FEATURED TRAILS

Jackrabbit Little Sugar Lumber River 1 6 Trail Creek Greenway 11 Paddle Trail 11 Dupont Hanging Rock Gary Shell 2 State Forest 7 State Park 12 Cross-City Trail 12

French Broad Uwharrie Neusiok 3 River Paddle Trail 8 National 13 Trail and Greenway Recreation Trail Dismal Swamp Mount Mitchell Bicentennial 14 Canal Trail and 4 State Park 9 Greenway Paddle Trail

Yadkin River American Duck Trail and 5 Greenway and 10 Tobacco Trail 15 Boardwalk Paddle Trail

OTHER NC TRAILS MOUNTAIN REGION

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As its name suggests, the Mountain region is MOUNTAIN REGION characterized by mountain ranges that weave through the western part of the state. The region 1 Jackrabbit Trail showcases a number of natural features, including Dupont State waterfalls, valleys, lakes, rivers, and streams. In 2 Forest the fall, make your way up to one of the 6,000- French Broad foot peaks to enjoy scenic views of foliage and 3 River Paddle Trail wild flora. Forests and parks are plentiful in the and Greenway Mountains region, including the Pisgah National Mount Mitchell Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 4 State Park the Nantahala National Forest. Yadkin River 5 Greenway and Paddle Trail Photo Credit: Alta Planning + Design MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN Photo Credit: WNCOutdoors Credit: Photo Photo credit: WNCOutdoors 1 2 Jackrabbit Trail Dupont State Forest

A regional favorite, the Jackrabbit Mountain Distance Do you enjoy hikes with a reward at Distance Recreation Area and Trail offers adventure 13.7 miles the end of the trail? Look no further 83.4 miles for all skill levels with its looping network of Surface Type than Dupont State Forest! Best known Surface Type hiking and mountain biking trails running Dirt for its many waterfalls, this multi-use Dirt along the edges of a peninsula jutting into Location recreational forest will satisfy a variety Location Chatuge Lake. Trails are defined by unique 105 Point of outdoor pursuits. Located in the Dupont State Forest Hayesville, NC 28904 1400 Staton Rd, Cedar features, length, difficulty, elevation, and , Dupont State Mountain, NC 28718 activities along the spectacular lakeside Activities Forest consists of 10,400 acres of forest setting. Originally inspired by a local accessible by more than 80 miles of Activities afterschool and summer program, the trail paved road and an extensive hiking, system is now managed as a partnership biking, and equestrian trail network. between community organizations and the US Forest Service. MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN Photo credit: NC State Parks Photo Credit: Jeff Rich 3 4 Paddle Mount Mitchell Trail and Greenway State Park Paddle, bike, and play along the French Distance As the highest peak in the Appalachian Distance Broad River Paddle Trail and Greenway. 2.8 miles paved, Mountains and highest peak east of the 16 miles 140 miles paddle trail Nearly three miles of the greenway consists , Mount Mitchell is a must- Surface Type of paved biking and walking trails that Surface Type see in a region of spectacular trails. The Dirt Paved, Paddle Trail connect parks along the river. For the water park offers a museum, an extensive trail Location sports enthusiast, the French Broad River Location network, and access to nearby wilderness Mt Mitchell State Park French Broad River Park 2388 NC-128 offers access to a 140-mile recreational areas. Whether you’re looking for a quick 508 Riverview Drive Burnsville, NC 28714 watercraft trail between Rosman, North trip to the easily accessible observation Asheville, NC 28806 Carolina and Douglas Lake, Tennessee. Take deck to admire the dense - forest, Activities Activities a day trip or complete a 10-day journey a short self-guided nature trail, or a more from start to finish. Paddle-in can strenuous trek to the summit, Mount be found every 12 to 15 miles along the river. Mitchell offers something for everyone. MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN REGION MOUNTAIN

“The Yadkin River Greenway provides beautiful

Photo Credit: Alta Planning + Design scenery and an opportunity for families to be 5 together while enjoying exercise and a time together outdoors.” Yadkin River Greenway - GREAT TRAILS USER and Paddle Trail History abounds along the Jefferson Distance Turnpike Trail, located within the Yadkin 7.5 miles 125 miles paddle trail River Greenway. This trail follows the along the site of a long Surface Type Paved, Paddle Trail water-holding trough that is used to carry logs to the mill. The trail is part of the larger Location 1411 Willow Lane Overmountain Victory National Historic North Wilkesboro, NC Trail, a 330 mile trail which runs through 28659 four states. A portion of the Turnpike Trail Activities offers a 7.5 mile meandering, riverside path for walkers and bicyclists of all abilities. Photo Credit: Yadkin River Greenway Council PIEDMONT REGION

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Positioned in the central part of the state, the PIEDMONT REGION Piedmont is known for its gently rolling foothills. Its relatively flat topography provides ideal Little Sugar Creek 6 conditions for mountain biking and bike touring. Greenway Outdoor recreation is easily within reach for those Hanging Rock 7 who live in cities and towns; a number of trails State Park and greenways in this region link communities Uwharrie National together. For those in the Piedmont looking for a 8 Recreation Trail more secluded adventure close to home, visit the Bicentennial 9 for camping, hiking, and Greenway other outdoor activities, or one of the many local American Tobacco 10 trails found in cities and towns throughout the Trail Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte regions. Photo Credit: GetGoingNC PIEDMONT REGION PIEDMONT REGION PIEDMONT Photo Credit: Mecklenburg Photo Credit: GetGoingNC 6 7 Little Sugar Creek Hanging Rock Greenway State Park Located near Downtown Charlotte, this Distance Stunning rock outcrops, mountain vistas, Distance greenway offers a quiet retreat for joggers, 5 miles lakes, and waterfalls greet hikers and 34 miles bicyclists, and pedestrians. The greenway Surface Type bicyclists at . Surface Type provides connections to popular destinations Paved Wooded passageways form a network of Dirt such as Freedom Park and the Metropolitan trails and includes part of the Mountains- Location Location shopping area. Visitors and residents can rent 1910 Freedom to-Sea State Trail. Mountain bikers enjoy a 1790 Hanging bikes from one of the four bike share stations Park Service Road single track with rock ledges, fast-flowing Rock Road that are located along the greenway. The Charlotte, NC 28203 stream crossings, and spectacular views of Danbury, NC 27016 greenway is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, the . Hikers can explore Activities Activities a planned regional network of greenways, diverse trails and discover the hidden gems blueways, conserved corridors, and trails that will of this park, including a mountain cave. Some eventually connect 15 counties and two states. trails are accessible by wheelchair. PIEDMONT REGION PIEDMONT REGION PIEDMONT Photo Credit: GetGoingNC Stodart Tiffany Credit: Photo 8 9 Uwharrie National Bicentennial Greenway

Recreation Trail The longest paved trail in the Triad Region, Distance 15 miles The Uwharrie National Recreation Trail offers Distance the 15-mile Bicentennial Greenway connects year-round access for day hikes or multi- 20 miles multiple communities. As part of the larger Surface Type network of greenways in and around Paved, Gravel day backpacking treks through the Uwharrie Surface Type Greensboro, the Bicentennial Greenway National Forest in the central Piedmont. The Dirt Location trail follows a former trapping route through allows for extensive exploration by hikers, 3610 Drawbridge Pkwy Location runners, birders, and naturalists of all stripes. Greensboro, NC 27410 long stretches of isolated wilderness in the Hwy 109 North It’s known as one of the most diverse and , which are the oldest Troy, NC 27371 Activities mountains in . Varied vegetation family-friendly stretches of greenway. Be Activities will delight hikers as they travel the trail through sure to visit the four-mile stretch through a variety of landscapes—oak-hickory forest to the Piedmont Environmental Center located short-needled pines, and mountain meadows to along the west bank of Lake. mossy streams. Mountain biking, paddling, and equestrian activities are also supported in the Uwharrie National Forest. PIEDMONT REGION Photo Credit: ITRE PIEDMONT REGION PIEDMONT

“Beautiful scenery running near neighborhoods

Photo Credit: Alta Planning + Design and shopping centers, but also near 105 and crossing numerous streams. Love the bridge over I-40 near Southpoint Mall.” American - GREAT TRAILS USER Tobacco Trail At more than 22 miles, the American Distance Tobacco Trail (ATT) is the longest rail-trail 22 miles in the state. The route, which is part of the Surface Type East Coast Greenway, crosses through the Paved, Gravel City of Durham, Durham, Chatham, and Location Wake counties, and several communities Jackie Robinson Drive on its extensive path. Recognized for their and Blackwell Street utilization of existing railroad corridors as Durham, NC 27701 safe, accessible, and efficient trail routes, Activities trails like the ATT give dormant tracks life again while providing transportation and recreation options. Photo Credit: Dave Connelly COASTAL PLAIN REGION PLAIN COASTAL

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Categorized by low, flat lands, the Coastal Plain COASTAL PLAIN includes 300 miles of barrier island beaches and two national seashores. The iconic coast boasts REGION Lumber River 11 seven lighthouses, small towns, breathtaking Paddle Trail waterfront views, and coastal hikes. For water Gary Shell 12 Cross-City Trail enthusiasts, the Coastal Plains has an impressive network of paddle trails where you can kayak or 13 canoe through its many rivers and creeks. Birding Dismal Swamp 14 and fishing are other activities that visitors can Canal Trail and Paddle Trail enjoy while exploring the cypress swamps and slow-moving blackwater streams. Duck Trail and 15 Boardwalk Photo Credit: of Duck Town COASTAL PLAIN REGION PLAIN COASTAL COASTAL PLAIN REGION Photo Credit: Lumber River Conservancy Photo Credit: City of Wilmington 11 12 Lumber River Paddle Trail Gary Shell

Recognized as one of the country’s few Distance Cross-City Trail 81 miles designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, the This trail connects four beautiful city parks, Distance Lumber River holds protected status for its Surface Type Cameron Art Museum, the University 15 miles Paddle Trail free-flowing route and spectacular natural of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Surface Type value. It’s the only in North Location the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as Paved Lumber River Carolina with this distinction. Your next restaurants, coffee shops, bike shops, and Location State Park excursion could entail paddling, fishing, or neighborhoods along the way. Combine the Halyburton Park 2819 Princess 4099 S. 17th Street just taking in the scenery. One of the best trip with the nearby Rivers-to-Sea Bikeway, Ann Road Wilmington, NC 28412 ways to experience the Lumber River is by Orrum, NC 28369 an 11-mile on- and off-road bike route that canoe or kayak, where one can admire the Activities Activities connects the waterfront attractions of geologic features, vegetation, and wildlife Historic Downtown Wilmington to one of along miles of remote natural areas. North Carolina’s most popular beach towns, Wrightsville Beach. COASTAL PLAIN REGION PLAIN COASTAL COASTAL PLAIN REGION Photo Credit: James Lee, Courtesy of the Friends of the MST Photo Credit: Camden County Tourism Development Authority 13 14 Neusiok Trail Trail and Located within the , Distance one of four National Forests in North 20 miles Paddle Trail Carolina, the Neusiok Trail is known for its Surface Type Kayak, canoe, hike, or bike along the amber- Distance ecological diversity and rich history. Nature Dirt, Boardwalk colored waters of the historic Dismal Swamp 22 miles paddle trail, enthusiasts of all ages can travel the easy Canal. This popular multi-purpose trail offers 3 miles paved Location 20-mile trail across sandy beaches and 1300 Ferry Road a unique wilderness experience in a landscape Surface Type through cypress swamps, hardwood forest, Havelock, NC 28532 with a rich history and opportunities to Paddle Trail, Paved , savannahs, and shrubby bogs. explore by foot, water, or horseback. Sections Activities Location Along the trail, there are opportunities to of the canal and surroundings were surveyed Dismal Swamp spot signs of wildlife such as otters, wild by George Washington’s company and it State Park turkeys, and black bears. The Neusiok Trail is nationally recognized as a stop on the 2356 US-17 is part of the 1,000+ mile Mountains-to-Sea Underground Railroad. Today it serves as South Mills, NC 27976 State Trail. home to thousands of migratory birds in the Activities fall and spring. COASTAL PLAIN REGION PLAIN COASTAL COASTAL PLAIN REGION Photo Credit: of Duck Town 15 Duck Trail & Boardwalk

This picturesque and popular trail in the Distance oceanside town of Duck, nestled on a 7.8 miles narrow sliver of land along the Atlantic Surface Type Ocean, traverses the length of the town. Paved, Boardwalk The Duck Trail and Boardwalk is accessible Location to pedestrians, bicyclists, and in-line 1200 Duck Road skaters, with boardwalk access to kayaks Duck, NC 27949 “This is a unique public walkway along the and canoes. Shopping and dining options Activities sound where visitors can enjoy the tranquility can be found along the waterfront. The boardwalk is a prime location for bird and natural beauty of the sound and have watching, as well as to soak in the beauty spectacular views.” of the Outer Banks. - GREAT TRAILS USER Photo Credit: of Duck Town BENEFITS OF TRAILS OF BENEFITS

Benefits of Trails

TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ECONOMIC AND TOURISM BENEFITS Trails can be implemented at a low cost and Trails often yield high returns on investment serve as part of a multi-modal transportation through economic revitalization, recreational system. In areas where public transit doesn’t tourism, and small business opportunities. Resi- offer direct routes to employment centers, dents have repeatedly identified trails as desired trails can serve as important connections neighborhood amenities. Communities that have between transit stops and workplaces. trails and greenways often see increases in prop- To learn more about how to design and erty values and enhanced tax revenue. To read fund a bicycle or pedestrian project, please more about leading research on the economic visit www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/Design- impacts of greenway and trails, visit Prioritization-Funding www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/researchdata or www.americantrails.org/resources/economics ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS Decreasing reliance on automobiles and reducing congestion by utilizing trails will Trails and greenways offer safe and accessible lead to improved air quality. Trails and opportunities for physical activity. People who greenways serve as a tool for conserving utilize trails are able to connect with places open space and preserving wetlands. that they want or need to go. A 2012 study that quantified health benefits of trails found Source: www.railstotrails.org/ that for every dollar spent on trails, nearly experience-trails/benefits-of-trails three dollars of public health benefits are produced. Other health impacts studied as a RESOURCES result of building more walkable and bikeable www.walkbikenc.com/pillars-of-plan communities can be found within the state’s bicycle and pedestrian plan, Walk Bike NC. www.americantrails.org

Check out www.walkbikenc.com for more www.railstotrails.org information. Published in 2016 by the North Carolina Department of Transportation with support from the NC Division of Parks and Recreation and other state agency partners. This inaugural booklet showcases examples of great trails across North Carolina. To find more trails, visitwww.ncparks.gov or your local parks department. All text and quotes included are the property of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. All photographs used with permission from sources noted. Designed by Alta Planning + Design.