WNCOutdoors.info Blog

Just in time for the 4th of July, the Moore Cove Falls trail has reopened.

As reported on BlueRidgeNow.com, Connestee Falls, a gem located right next to US Hwy. 276 and a real estate office south of Brevard, is to be sold to the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to become a public park. The owner has commendably allowed public access to the falls all along, but this transition will ensure public access into the future.

The Moore Cove Falls trail and Best Hike is closed while repairs are made to the bridge over Looking Glass Creek. The Forest Service hopes to reopen the trail by July 1.

Over 50 dedicated volunteers helped with construction on the Wolf Branch Trail in Bent Creek on Saturday, June 2 - National Trails Day. Work included grading for drainage and the construction of 4 new, sturdy wooden bridges which eliminated some muddy, technical creek crossings. Come out and give the new trail a ride!

All trails within the Bent Creek area which were closed for logging are once again reopened. Work will now begin to restore the trails which were temporarily converted to roads to a trail-like status. This will be a long process, but riding conditions on them should start to improve quickly. Watch out for new sunny openings on hot summer days (plan on hitting them going downhill).

As reported in this Asheville Citizen Times article, more greenways are envisioned for Western North Carolina - including connections to Hendersonville, Brevard, Dupont State Forest, and Tennessee from Asheville. But don’t hold your breath. Only 6 of 29 miles of greenways planned for the city of Asheville are on the ground, and they’re short and disconnected. Let’s finish what we already have planned first before dreaming that big!

North Carolina has agreed to pay $24 million for the coveted piece of land. More importantly, the park owners were willing to accept it - after asking $55 million to begin when the park was put up for sale. You can find articles about the sale on the Chimney Rock Park page.

The iconic tower atop 6,684′ Mount Mitchell has been torn down. It will be replaced with a 10-foot high circular platform, and the formerly stairstepped summit path will be paved, thus making it completely accessible. Get more information in this article in the Asheville Citizen-Times

Trails and roads will be closed due to logging and research activity at Bent Creek in the upcoming months. Find more information on the Bent Creek Trailheads page.

A 245-acre proposed logging project on Case Camp Ridge, in the Davidson River area between the base of Looking Glass Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway, will likely become an eyesore in addition to a headache for recreationalists as trails are closed. Get More Information.