Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 10, 2008 issue

Opportunity To Help Build a Trail Every Saturday

Elk Knob State Natural Area Welcomes Volunteers

The Elk Knob summit trail under construction is almost half done. With the help of volunteers, its completion will provide a more accessible way to reach the top of the county’s second-highest peak. Photo by Corinne SaundersStory by Corinne Saunders

“It’s a way to pay it back for all the trails I’ve hiked,” said Susan Hazlewood of her dedicated volunteerism. “There is a tremendous amount of rock work that’s really pretty and elaborate.”

Elk Knob State Natural Area is one of the newest parks in North Carolina and the trail is still unfinished. An old road, just over a mile long, leads to the top of 5,520-foot Elk Knob but it is a strenuous, rocky and steep hike.

The four-person park staff began construction on a more accessible summit trail in January 2006, and volunteer workdays started last summer. This summer the workdays started in March and will continue every Saturday through November, with the exception of inclement weather Saturdays and September 13—the date of the Elk Knob Headwaters Festival, a celebration of local culture, history and music.

The old road leading to the 5,520-foot Elk Knob summit is a steep climb. A new trail being constructed by park staff and volunteers will provide a less strenuous path to the top. Photo by Corinne SaundersThe volunteer workdays begin at 9:00 a.m. but the commitment is not necessarily an all-day one. “Folks come and go as they please,” said Park Superintendent Larry Trivette.

The volunteers who come have been of all ages, ranging from 12 to over 70, he added.

Various university clubs and organizations, as well as high school clubs, have also helped with the trail, mostly for service projects, he said.

The adult volunteers like Hazlewood who come “are avid hikers and want to be part of putting in something that’s going to last for generations to come,” Trivette said. “It’s a good opportunity to meet folks with common interests as well.”

About three-quarters of a mile of the new trail has been built, and another three-quarters of a mile to one mile remains. “We try to keep it an 8 to 10 percent grade. The old road trail is 30 percent grade in some places,” Trivette said.
He encourages all interested volunteers to wear good working clothes and boots, bring work gloves, water and food.

Elk Knob State Natural Area is located less than 10 miles from Boone. Take NC 194 for less than four miles, turn right onto Meat Camp Road and follow it for 5.5 miles before turning right into the park.

For more information, call the park office at 828-297-7261.