Celebrate North Carolina's "The Year of the Trail" in McDowell County with Great Trails State Day!
Mid-October is a special time to be on a trail in North Carolina. The vibrant hues of autumn are unrolling a natural carpet, inviting everyone outdoors and onto a trail, and we want to invite you to join in the inaugural Great Trails State Day on Saturday, October 21st. The state's rich network of trails spans from the mountains to the coast and through all 100 counties in The Great Trails State.
We’ve spent the year ground-breaking space for new trails, and October 21st is the day to discover new adventures in our backyard. Recently, our outdoor community was awarded $2.5 million toward trail development within Old Fort, NC, so you know we're passionate about creating amazing outdoor spaces for memorable outdoor experiences. As 2023 is the "Year of the Trail" in North Carolina, we want you to know just how important trail hikes are in our community. We're the perfect getaway for folks looking to experience all that Western North Carolina has to offer for outdoor recreation.
Our community is coming together through partnerships with McDowell Trails Association, an organization dedicated to plan, develop, build and provide education and support for non-motorized trails in McDowell County, North Carolina. On October 21st, join them at either the YMCA for a gathering of local churches and organizations, or walk one of 12 different group hikes/walks they have planned. These hikes will benefit the Peavine Trail.
What are the Trails McDowell will be focusing on during Great Trails State Day?
At one pm on October 1st, community groups People on the Move Old Fort, and Old Fort Community Forum will meet at the Gateway Trails for a 2-3 mile hike in our newest trail system. However, Trail Partners and local hiking enthusiasts will be meeting at several locations for group and self-led hikes. Sign up with McDowell Trails Association to hike at any one of the sponsored locations on October 21st!
You can find a full list of hiking event locations on the McDowell Trails website here:
https://mcdowelltrails.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/McDowell-Moves-2023-Walks.pdf
Need recommendations on great local trails here in McDowell? Use our site for our ever-growing list of Hiking Trails, Walking Paths, and Parks!
Want to know more about Great Trails State Day? Check out this video from Great Trails NC:
