A. General Recommendations

GENERAL A. RECOMMENDATIONS

The Rutherford County Trails Collaborative was created by the TDA in the fall of 2021 to help guide prioritization for trail infrastructure development projects in Rutherford County.

The Rutherford County Trails Collaborative initially completed a comprehensive inventory of all planned and existing trails in the County and identified needs for each trail. The group created a master list that outlined results from the trail inventory and needs assessment (See Trails Inventory Matrix, page 32). The trails matrix identifies planned and existing trails within four categories. Each category has distinct funding opportunities from a variety of sources.

The trails inventory matrix identifies planned and existing trails with the four categories mentioned previously: state-designated, regional, local, and paddle trails. Each category has distinct funding opportunities from a variety of sources. Collaborative members also developed a comprehensive list of grant funding sources (See Grant Matrix, page 30). Trail needs are defined below.

PLANNING

Project requires additional planning and/or landowner outreach to secure trail corridors.

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

Project requires design and engineering before being “shovel ready” for construction.

CONSTRUCTION

Project plans are complete and permits secured. The project is ready for construction.

ENHANCEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Project exists and may have future maintenance and enhancement needs.

Moving forward, the Collaborative will meet every month to update group members on trail projects in the County and develop an implementation action plan for each fiscal year. The action plan will identify specific trail infrastructure projects based on prioritization, needs, and potential grant funding sources.

1. Trail Implementation & Prioritization

In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits, trail implementation efforts should focus on areas where state trails co-align with other regional and local trails. Regional and local trails that make important community connections in the County should be identified and focus given to those that would have maximum impact, prioritizing planned trail segments within corridors that are secured and allow public access.

The RCTDA should focus on implementation of the following trail infrastructure projects over the next 0-3 years:

HICKORY NUT GORGE STATE TRAIL

Planned sections of the trail that are located on public lands within Chimney Rock State Park and extensions to the existing Youngs Mountain Trail

WILDERNESS GATEWAY STATE TRAIL

Planned sections that connect to the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and within the Box Creek Wilderness

BROAD RIVER PADDLE TRAIL

Landowner outreach for parcels along the Broad River that can be purchased or leased for river access areas

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

Planned spurs and connectors to Bostic, Union Mills, Isothermal Community College, and the

Rutherford County walking path.

2. Online Interactive Map

An online interactive map will provide a resource for residents and visitors to use when seeking out specific trail experiences in Rutherford County. This resource should provide quality mapping for each proposed and planned trail in the County and provide sufficient information for trail users to make informed decisions about their adventure.

3. Recreational Brand

A recreational brand or logo for outdoor recreation infrastructure within Rutherford County will allow residents and visitors to visually and mentally connect the natural assets found in this diverse geographic area This brand can be utilized at trailhead kiosks and with online and printed material, and it will consider current branding efforts by the RCTDA and partners.