Embracing and protecting the Middle Fork River

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Middle Fork River is an integral part of High Country history and has provided emotional, physical and environmental benefits to Appalachia for centuries. As the world changes around the river, the Blue Ridge Conservancy seeks to protect the river and surrounding land while encouraging community members and tourists to reap the benefits of the river through the Middle Fork Greenway Project.

The Middle Fork Greenway is an in-progress multi-use recreational trail that will connect Boone and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Conservancy continues to partner with the town of Boone, town of Blowing Rock and Watauga County in developing the trail as an access to local attractions and green spaces while protecting more than 90 linear acres of land.

One completed, the Middle Fork Greenway will be about six-and-a-half miles long and connect to the existing Boone Greenway, creating more than 15 miles of continuous trail for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding. The miles of trail will allow access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, Shoppes on the Parkway, Tweetie, Mystery Hill,