Welcome, Mountain Bikers Two New Parks Offer Mountain Biking Trails in the High Country
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n May 2011, not one, but two new parks offering mountain biking trails opened to the public and visitors to the High Country. In Boone, the first phase of Rocky Knob Park opened with the 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Trail. Another 6.5 miles of trail is currently under construction at the 185-acre site, located just east of Boone on U.S. 421 toward Deep Gap. When completely built out, the park will feature Photo by Kristian Jackson a stacked loop system who worked with that gradually increases local bikers and hikers, in difficulty. including sports teams Phase II trail design from local universities. for four miles of new The trail network trails began earlier in includes reclaimed 2011, and in 2012 and stretches of pre-existing 2013, the Watauga trails and road grades County Tourism Recently, the Watauga County and new paths blended Development Authority Tourism Development Authority (TDA) hopes to move opened the first section of Phase together with significant forward with an I (designated by a blue line) of work by volunteers and adventure playground, Rocky Knob Park, a new moun- town employees. “You’re talking shelter and bike skills tain biking trail system located on the east side of Boone. about some of the area at the park. highest mountain biking Rocky Knob Park on the East Coast,” said is one initiative by the On the Web Watauga County TDA Download trail maps, check out Fred Pfohl, chair of in its goal to become one photos and read more about the Beech Mountain mountain biking in the High Parks and Recreation of the premier outdoor Country at these websites. Committee. recreation destinations The trails’ lofty in the country. For Rocky Knob Mountain elevation of between more information, call Bike Park Blog 4,700 and 5,400 828-266-1345. http://rockyknob.wordpress.com feet is expected to Beech Mountain’s appeal to riders and Emerald Outback Beech Mountain Parks runners interested in opened with eight and Recreation www.beechrecreation.org serious cardiovascular miles of trails accessible training—and escape from a newly finalized trailhead located across Beech Mountain from the heat felt at lower elevations. Parkway opposite town hall and the Beech Pfohl sees runners as a major target for the Mountain Visitors Center. Up to 25 miles trails, with the eventual goal being to stage a high-elevation marathon. of trails are planned in three phases. For more information, call 828-387Beech Mountain’s trails were the 2009 inspiration of Beech Mountain Fitness and 3003. Wellness Coordinator Daniel Scagnelli, v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 012
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