N.C. Trails Program Awards $1.6 Million in Grants for Trail Construction, Safety

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced that its N.C. Trails Committee had awarded 17 grants totaling $1.6 million to local governments and nonprofit organizations for trail projects across the state.

“Trails promote healthy living, improve quality of life, and boost the economy,” said Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “As we celebrate 2023 as the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, it’s wonderful to see projects funded from Cape Carteret to Asheville that will serve residents and visitors whether they enjoy hiking, climbing, paddling, mountain biking, or all of the above.”

Projects funded include new trail construction as well as river access, boardwalk extension, trail rehabilitation, surface enhancement, and expansion.  The Carolina Climbers Coalition was awarded funds for a sustainable trail along the base of Table Rock. Two improved blueway access points on Abbotts Creek will offer an ADA accessible kayak dock and creek access in Davidson County. Cleveland County will receive funding to improve the Broad River Greenway Trail, and the town of Williamston will receive assistance for the River Landing boardwalk extension. Additionally, the committee awarded smaller safety and education grants to nonprofit organizations such as the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Latinos Aventureros for trail maintenance and outdoor training.

The Recreational Trails Program is administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation’s State Trails Program, which is part of DNCR. It is a federal grant program using Department of Transportation funds designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The North Carolina Trails Committee is comprised of seven members appointed by the secretary of DNCR. Members represent various recreational communities including hiking, biking, paddling, equestrian, and off-highway vehicle riding. The committee advises the North Carolina Trails Program on funding.

List of grants awarded:

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the North Carolina Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.