PROJECTS: Initiatives that have moved from the concept stage to the build stage.
The WCTDA and Watauga County currently have three major projects under construction: 1) Rocky Knob Park, 2) Watauga Gorge Park, and 3) South Fork New River Greenway.
Rocky Knob Park
Rocky Knob Park is a 185-acre county park located off of NC Scenic Byway 421 just east of Boone. Although the park will provide for a variety of recreation offerings, it will ultimately be anchored by 7-9 miles of unique, destination quality mountain biking trails. Watauga County received a $500,000 grant from the state to assist with land acquisition and park construction, which began in May 2010. This grant committed the county to developing a mountain bike trail system, shelter, adventure playground, and bike skills area. All of these elements must be completed by 2013.
Phase I trail construction began in July 2010. Trail Dynamics, a professional trail builder from Brevard, NC, was awarded the phase I hybrid trail contract. A hybrid contract requires the trail professional to design and “bench” the trail, while volunteers perform all trail finish work. Boone Area Cyclists 
(BAC) is the county’s official trail volunteer partner; they have provided over 1,000 hours of volunteer labor since July 2010. Not only has BAC helped with trail finish work, but they have also constructed multiple hand-built boardwalks made from on-site locust. See the Rocky Knob blog.
Take a look at the map (right)… The blue line (1.6 miles) and the red line (1 mile) are both part of phase I. The blue line is nearly complete (will open early summer 2011) and the red line is nearly halfway complete as of spring 2011.
The county just signed the phase II trail contract, which provides for four-miles of additional trail construction. Benchmark Trails from South Carolina won this contract. They will begin the design phase in March 2011.
Watauga Gorge Park
Watauga Gorge Park, or the Upper Gorge Access, is part of the Watauga River Paddle Trail. This 3 acre tract, generously donated by the Holton Family, is located at the intersection of Highway 321 and Old Watauga River Road. Flatwater and family paddlers will want to take out at this location, while more experienced kayakers, seeking access to the Watauga River’s Section III, will utilize the park as a “put-in.”
The WCTDA received grant funding from the Recreation Trails Program to develop this access. The parking area and canoe launch will be constructed in 2011. The picnic shelter and signage will be completed in 2012. [see 3-d concept]
South Fork New River Greenway
There are two projects underway to advance this greenway initiative. First, the Phase I South Fork New River Greenway project includes the construction of a paved, 10-foot wide, and 3,000′ long greenway extending north from the Brookshire Park walking loop. Project funds come through a $90,000 NCDOT grant. Second, the engineering and permitting process is underway for the Highway 421 pedestrian underpass. This connection with ultimately link Brookshire Park and the Boone Greenway. This engineering project is being funded through a $45,000 NCDOT grant. After completing these plans, the county will seek construction funds.
The Phase II South Fork Greenway project will require the acquisition of property north of Brookshire Park. The county currently has a trail easement under contract, but this acquisition is dependent upon grant funding from the state.
