Old Fort Gateway Trails in McDowell County.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation and Great Trails Coalition celebrate National Take a Hike Day, underscoring the major role the state's trail network plays in supporting local economies, jobs, real estate, tourism and more.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coast, North Carolina's network of trails continues to connect communities, attract visitors and strengthens the economy statewide.
“Trails deliver returns that most public investments can't touch," said Palmer McIntyre, Director of the Great Trails State Coalition. “They drive tourism, support local entrepreneurs, improve health, and make communities places people want to live."
NCDOT teamed up with the Great Trails State Coalition to
create a video to showcase all trails have to offer, especially in North Carolina where residents and visitors in all 100 counties have access to high-quality hiking, biking, equestrian, and paddle trails close to home.
“Trails are essential," said Brennon Fuqua, NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division director. “They improve mobility, promote healthy lifestyles and service as economic boosters for local communities. By working together, we ensure everyone statewide can access safe places to walk, bike, and explore."
Outdoor recreation is a $16.2 billion industry in the state, supporting more than 145,000 jobs, according to an Institute for Transportation Research and Education study funded by NCDOT in 2018.
For every $1 invested in trail construction, communities receive an estimated $1.72 on the dollar annually which includes economic, health, and transportation benefits. Trails not only pay for themselves, but they also multiply opportunities for growth.
To watch and download the video,
click here.
To learn more about the Great Trails of NC, visit their
webpage, and visit
NCDOT: Integrated Mobility Division to learn how NCDOT supports bicycle and pedestrian facilities.