The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 9 at the start of U.S. Forest Service Road 5002.
Directions to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
From the intersection of NC 280 and US 276/64 (which is just northwest of Brevard) go west into Pisgah National Forest approximately 1.25 miles. Turn left toward the Davidson River Campground. Immediately cross the bridge over the Davidson River. Turn left on Sycamore Circle (do not turn right into the campground). Continue on Schenck Drive, and follow the signs to the ribbon cutting.
Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project
Location. The new trail is in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest at the end of Joel Branch Road (NFSR5002) just off the Art Loeb Trail near Stony Knob. It links Joel Branch Road and Horse Cove Road (NFSR475C).
Rationale for Project. Constructing this trail provides connectivity between the entrance area of the Pisgah Ranger District (Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Ranger Station, Estatoe Trail, etc.), the N.C. Wildlife Education Center, and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System and Urban Greenway Trail System. Combining these trails provides a 25-mile loop trail opportunity for hikers and bikers, with equestrian access on a significant portion of the route.
“This trail project offers a unique opportunity,” said Pisgah District Ranger, Dave Casey. “By adding 1.2 miles of new trail we have been able to open up 25 miles of access for hikers and bikers, and a significant section of trail for equestrians. We also believe this project will reduce unauthorized bike and horse traffic on the Art Loeb Trail, which is reserved for hiking only.”
Character of Trail. “Anywhere in Pisgah has its steep, rocky sections, and so does this trail,” says trail builder Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics. “But this is more of a wide, rolling trail than a steep, technical one like you find in some parts of Pisgah. This trail provides a nice long route. It gives you a backcountry feel even though you are near to town, and it can be ridden by gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes. Our team loved biking to work each day on this beautiful new trail.”
Importance to Local Residents and Tourism. “This trail is an example of the kinds of projects we embrace at Transylvania County Tourism,” said Aaron Baker, Chair of the organization’s Transylvania Always Committee. “It’s a well-designed trail that promotes the sustainable use of our natural resources by tourists and locals alike.”
“This trail is the missing link,” said Mac Morrow, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member of Brevard. “Filling in this gap between trails is entirely consistent with Brevard’s long term strategy to build the tourism infrastructure of the area. We want to connect our citizens and tourists with the incredible natural resources that surround us and enhance Brevard’s position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.”