Officials from several organizations gather in Grassy Creek to cut the ribbon on the new trail section.
A section of land in Grassy Creek with plots owned by Byron Phillips, Sibelco, The Quartz Corp. and Doug Wiseman is now part of The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
The move became official on Tuesday, Aug. 16 during a special trail donation and dedication ceremony. The plot of land is off Carter’s Ridge road, just after the bridge when you turn onto the road.
“It has already become a popular walk for the community and we are so thankful to all our partners for making this wonderful outdoor asset possible,” said Starli McDowell. “Phase one of the project has also been rerouted with a new bridge and both are being maintained, so get out and enjoy them.”
Community partners have helped shape the trail project, including Blue Ridge RC&D, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, Toe River Valley Watch, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Department of Environmental Quality, Rotary Club of Spruce Pine, Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, Destination By Design, Town of Spruce Pine, Mitchell County, NC Department of Transportation and Blue Ridge Conservancy.
The project is funded through US Environmental Protection Agency 319 Grant Program, NC Department of Environmental Quality - Water Resources Development Grant, Duke Energy Water Resources Fund, US Fish and Wildlife Service - Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, National Park Service and the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation.