The 2023 NC Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways, which showcase the state’s diverse landscapes – grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont.
NC Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history.
North Carolina is the Great Trails State, where each of North Carolina’s 100 counties should be able to enjoy the proven benefits of trails, including health, safety, economic development, tourism, transportation, and environment. Trails are the backbone of the state’s growing $28 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The Year of the Trail campaign reaches communities with the message of how and where to experience trails that showcase North Carolina’s beautiful landscapes, provide healthy recreation, and stimulate local economies. The NC General Assembly NC designated 2023 as NC Year of the Trail, an effort led by the Great Trails State Coalition – a broad-based group
I am convinced of the benefits trails and greenways bring to our North Carolina communities through increased tourism and the associated economic growth, plus enhanced recreational opportunities for improved citizen health.
NC STATE REP. HUGH BLACKWELL Burke County
of diverse organizations, agencies, and supporters advocating for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide: Hiking, paddle, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved.
The goals for the NC Year of the Trail include:
n Inspire people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to try trails.
n Demonstrate the importance of trails to elected officials.
n Boost outdoor recreation tourism across the state through Year of the Trail events in all 100 counties.
n Promote safe and responsible use of trails, with the Outdoor NC Principles.
n Advance diversity and inclusion on trails.
For more information on the NC Year of the Trail and upcoming events and activities throughout the state,
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With the support of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, the Great Trails State Coalition’s 2023 North Carolina Year of the Trail campaign also celebrates the East Coast Greenway.
These trails showcase the state’s diverse landscapes—including quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests and the rolling hills of the Piedmont.
The East Coast Greenway features a 365-mile spine route and a 425-mile complementary coastal route. The 75-mile stretch of greenwa—from North Durham through Cary, Raleigh and Clayton-forms the longest nearly continuous stretch of the entire 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway in a metropolitan area.
In 2021, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 130 into law, officially designating the East Coast Greenway as a unit of the North Carolina State Parks system and an official North Carolina State Trail.
Trails are important because they are one of the most direct connections that we have to our environment.
A well-crafted trail invites you on a journey that can teach you about the physical landscape and allows you to discover the inner topography of yourself.
KRISTIAN JACKSON
Senior Lecturer
Dept. of Recreation Management, Appalachian State University
While there are many mountain walking and hiking trails throughout North Carolina –with a wide variety of lengths and challenge levels – 919 Magazine staff and friends recently visited a few in the Boone/Blowing Rock area of Eastern North Carolina. Here is a sampling of their explorations:
Beautiful. Trails from the Visitor Center take hikers to the three-tiered falls over the Linville Gorge (moderate to difficult). Usually busy. Lots of nearby hiking trails. Often described as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”. Campground, visitor center, fishing, picnic area.
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.3 – 317 near Marion, NC
This 3.6-mile adventure — beginning at the Grandfather Mountain State Park parking area near Sugar Mountain and Banner Elk – can be strenuous, as it begins at about 4,000 ft. and ends at more than 5,800 ft. at Calloway Gap.
Location: Inside Grandfather Mountain State Park, about 6.4 mi. from the ticket booth/gate.
This 0.9 mi. out-and-back trail is rated moderate, but the elevation gain is 226 ft. – so can be moderately challenging for some. Plenty of parking, and well-marked trail. Generally, it’s well visited because it has beautiful small waterfalls; easy access and plenty of parking.
Location: Seven Devils, NC
Located in Moses Cone Memorial Park near Blowing Rock, this out-and-back trail is more than 3.5 mi. It’s also popular for bicycles and horse riding. Easy parking near the Manor House.
Location: Near Blowing Rock, NC
Family-friendly 2.3-mile loop trail, with lake and Grandfather Mountain views (canoeing and kayaking permitted on the lake). Often damp, with bridges and boardwalks through marshy parts.
Location: Milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway
This trail near Valle Crucis is only a 1.5 mile out and back, but is considered moderate-to-challenging (steep). It’s typically a busy route, because of the multi-tiered falls. Parking near Valle Crucis Conference Center.
celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways which showcase our diverse landscapes—grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont. CONTINUES ON
As part of the United Nation’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, Grandfather Mountain offers 16 diverse and distinct natural ecosystems – with hikes and walks of various distances and difficulty – included many perfect for families. And trails are only part of the attractions at Grandfather, which also includes a mile-high swinging bridge, living animals and displays, and education exhibits.
The 3.6-mile Profile Trail is strenuous on the west side, climbing 1,775 ft., while traversing seven different natural communities. A wide variety of other trails also are available.
Location: Grandfather Mountain State Park, 4198 NC Hwy 105N, Banner Elk (about a 6.4 mile drive from the ticket booth/gate).
For information on upcoming North Carolina events and activities related to the Year of the Trail, visit greattrailsnc.com/events
North Carolina now features wines produced in three different regions in the state: Mountains, Piedmont and Coastal. For more information, visit ncwine.org. During 919 Magazine’s recent western North Carolina adventures, the team visited three wineries.
Banner Elk Winery & Villa
Nestled in the awe inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stands North Carolina High Country’s Banner Elk Winery & Villa.
Visitors can enjoy a tasting or tour, or stay for a week at The Villa – a private retreat, with luxury accommodations, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality in an idyllic setting.
In 2005, the age-old tradition of winemaking made its debut in the region with the establishment of the winery, the first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties. Banner Elk wines pay tribute to the rugged mountain landscape and capture the delicate nuance and subtle flavors of the fruit. The vintners produce excellent wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to the winery.
Banner Elk Winery processes its own (as well as other locally grown grapes) into prize winning wines. Awards received to date in 2013 include two Gold Medals at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition for the 2011 Banner Elk Red and 2011 Marechal Foch. Held in Sonoma County California, this was the winery’s first international competition.
Many other awards from state, region and national competitions were received since the winery opened.
Banner Elk Winery & Villa
60 Deer Run Lane Banner Elk, NC
Hours: 12-6 pm, Mon-Sun
bannerelkwinery.com
828-898-9090
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery was founded in the spring of 2003 when owner Steve Tatum planted the first vine. The winery opened the doors in May 2011, offering world-class wines. The terraced mountain vineyard and winery is nestled right on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain.
Warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance of the wine, according to the winery.
Grandfather Vineyard Wines
225 Vineyard Lane Banner Elk, NC
Hours: Mon, 12-6 pm; Wed-Sat, 12-6 pm; Sun, 1-5 pm
grandfathervineyard.com
828-963-2400
Founded on a love of the land and a passion for entertaining, according to Biltmore officials, the Vanderbilt legacy lives on in shades of red, white, and rosé. The historic winery and vineyards at the Biltmore Estate feature regular tours and complimentary tastings.
Biltmore Winery
1 Lodge Street Asheville, NC
Hours: Open daily, closing at 7 pm biltmore.com, 800-411-3812
For information on North Carolina wineries and upcoming events, visit ncwine.org.