| Northern Peaks Trail | |
|---|---|
| Length | 0 miles (0 km) |
| Location | North Carolina, United States |
| Established | 2019; 6 years ago (2019)[1] |
| Designation | State Trail (North Carolina)[1] |
| Use | Hiking |
| Season | Year-round |
| Sights | Boone,Howard Knob,Rich Mountain Bald,Snake Mountain,Elk Knob,Three Top Mountain,West Jefferson andMount Jefferson |
| Surface | Natural |
| Maintained by | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | https://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/northern-peaks-state-trail |
TheNorthern Peaks State Trail is a unit of theNorth Carolina state park system inAshe andWatauga Counties,North Carolina in theUnited States. The State Trail is planned as ahiking trail connecting DowntownBoone,Howard Knob County Park,Elk Knob State Park,Three Top Mountain Gameland, DowntownWest Jefferson andMount Jefferson State Natural Area.[2] The trail is a collaboration between local governments and the state, with development coordinated by theNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR).
In 2008, NCDPR along with theHigh Country Council of Governments developed a regional trail plan for North Carolina'sHigh Country. A potential trail route along the Northwestern Peaks of the state was identified in the plan.[3]
In 2011, the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority published theBoone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan, which included a proposal for a Northern Peaks Trail.[4][2]
In 2017, NCDPR, the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, Ashe County, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, the West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority, the Town of Boone, and High Country Pathways, Inc jointly commissioned a master plan for the Northern Peaks Trail. The master plan concluded the trail was eligible for state trail status and proposed its designation as part of theState Trail System.[2]
On July 1, 2019, theNorth Carolina General Assembly formalized the proposal by establishing Northern Peaks State Trail, and directed NCDPR to coordinate its development.[1]
The plan for the Northern Peaks Trail has alarmed conservationists due to the presence of rare plants in high elevation zones of the peaks. The unique qualities of the soils of theAmphibolite Mountains and the secluded nature of the peaks has resulted inendemic species which cannot be found anywhere else. The current plan for the trail routes users through sensitive habitat, and does not include any proactive measures for resource protection. There is concern that the desire to promote outdoor recreation in the area will put delicate rock-dwelling plants at risk of being unintentionally trampled by users, potentially extirpating the species.[5]
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