1000 x 90

Celebrate National Trails Day at Seven Devils’ Brand New Otter Falls Park

OttersFallsDed
Mayor Larry Fontaine, holding the scissors, cut the ribbon on the Otter Falls Trail Friday afternoon. Among other attendees were his wife Anne Fontaine, a member of the town’s tourism development authority and recreation commission (to right of mayor), and left to right, Grandfather Mountain State Park superintendent Sue McBean, town manager Ed Evans, who was singled out for his dedication to the project, and far right, Jazmin Varela, representing The Conservation Fund. Photo by Randy Johnson

By Randy Johnson

The Town of Seven Devils launched the Saturday June 6, commemoration of National Trails Day the best way possible—by dedicating a brand new trail.

Otter Falls in Seven Devils
Otter Falls in Seven Devils

The trail is now open and this weekend would be a perfect time to sample the winding path that descends 250 feet to scenic Otter Creek Falls on historic Valley Creek. Benches mark the path, designed in part by Tim Johnson, a trails specialist for North Carolina state parks.

More than 50 people gathered at the brand new trailhead parking area to hear Mayor Larry Fontaine recount the years of effort and inspiration needed to purchase a 10-acre natural area and turn it into a park. The project, funded in part by grants from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and The Conservation Fund, included a fund-raising effort that gained remarkably strong citizen support. Dozens of plaques on the trail sign reflect community members’ donations to achieve preservation and outdoor recreation for the town and its visitors.

GrandfatherMountain State Park superintendent Sue McBean attended the event. Her park rangers actively engage the town by offering Seven Devils’ residents and visitors a variety of programs during the summer.

Many people at the ceremonty took the opportunity to head into the cool green enclave of Otter Falls. The trailhead is on the left on Skyland Drive on the way from town hall to the Hawksnest zipline adventure park. Photo by Randy Johnson
Many people at the ceremonty took the opportunity to head into the cool green enclave of Otter Falls. The trailhead is on the left on Skyland Drive on the way from town hall to the Hawksnest zipline adventure park. Photo by Randy Johnson