$11 million in trail grants awarded to western North Carolina communities

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Today in a press release, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $11 million in grants to communities and nonprofits in western North Carolina as part of the Great Trails State Program. The funding, authorized by the General Assembly, supports local trail projects to enhance outdoor recreation, promote healthy living, and strengthen tourism.

“From the barrier islands to the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina is home to amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, this funding for trails will help local communities increase tourism, promote healthy living, and improve quality of life for all North Carolinians.”

Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, emphasized the impact of trails on local economies. 

“Trails bring incredible benefits to both urban and rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” she said. “This generous funding made possible by the N.C. General Assembly will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

The Great Trails State Program was created by the General Assembly in 2023, marking a historic $25 million investment in North Carolina trails. The program offers matching grants to local governments, public authorities, regional councils of governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Across the state, 89 applications requesting $28 million were submitted. In total, 79 projects were selected, with more than $44.5 million in matching funds provided—bringing the total investment in trails to more than $69.3 million.

In western North Carolina, over 30 local trail projects will benefit from $11 million in funding. These include projects like designing the first greenway in Alleghany County, expanding the New River Paddle Trail, and enhancing and expanding trails throughout the region.

“The 125 member organizations of the Great Trails State Coalition thank the North Carolina General Assembly for creating and funding the Great Trails State Program,” said Palmer McIntyre, director of the N.C. Great Trails State Coalition.  “This visionary investment in all types of trails across the state will deliver transformative economic, health, and quality-of-life benefits for communities of all sizes.”

This effort aligns with the ongoing “Rediscover the Unforgettable.” The initiative, launched by Stein at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park, encourages people to explore western North Carolina and support its recovery from Hurricane Helene by supporting local businesses and walking hiking trails. 

Western NC Trail Grant Awards:

Alleghany County – $150,000 to design the county’s first greenway

Ashe County – $312,000 to expand Lansing Creeper Trail Park

Buncombe County – $500,000 for Riverside Park improvements in Woodfin

Watauga County – $500,000 for improvements to Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock

Wilkes County – $500,000 for the “Bridge of Dreams” project in Elkin

For a full list of funded projects, visit the press release.