0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 20
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Foothills
Feel
The
By Shane Prisby
Trails Program Director
Since the early days of “rake and ride” trails in the
1980s, mountain biking has grown into an international
recreation powerhouse, with millions of dollars in
annual recreation spending and expansive trail
growth. North Carolina is already regarded as a
world-class mountain biking destination, with the trail
system throughout the Pisgah National Forest being
the crown jewel. The trails were built by and for the
most advanced riders of the sport, creating a major
scarcity of entry-to-intermediate-level trails. The
National Forest trails are rugged and steep, and many
were not built with modern techniques, which focus
on sustainability. While this is a common problem
nationally, it is quite pronounced in our state, with
its rugged terrain and increased strength of rainfall
events due to a changing climate.
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