To the Editor:
We want to thank the more than 100 exuberant well-wishers who helped us dedicate the first section of the Middle Fork Greenway on April 18. First, huge thanks to Chris and Cathy Robbins, of Tweetsie RR, for building this beautiful 2,337’ section of what can, through the alchemy of easements, permitting, and funds, become a 6.5-mile hiking and biking trail along the headwaters of New River, linking the sidewalks of Blowing Rock, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the Boone Greenway.
Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson and County Commissioner John Welch held the ribbon as Blowing Rock Councilman James Steele wielded the scissors, officially opening the trail to a cadre of securely helmeted young bicyclists and tricyclists, future contenders in the Tour de Headwaters. Exquisite, delicious pastries were donated by Carson and Mindy Coatney, of Stick Boy Bread Company, Boone, and Michelle Bozeman, of Kojay’s Café & Bakery, of Blowing Rock. Jason and Amanda Campbell, of Blowing Rock’s Bald Guy Brew, served hot coffee, and Tara Stollenmaier handed out wholesome trail mix, water, and coupons from Boone Earth Fare.
Celebrating with us were representatives of various departments of our town and county governments, Tourism Development Authorities, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Appalachian District Health Dept., Boone’s and Blowing Rock’s Chambers of Commerce, organizations such as Blue Ridge Conservancy, High Country United Way, ZAP Fitness, Boone Area Cyclists, Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, ASU’s Solar Decathlon, Blowing Rock School PTO, Girls on the Run, Boone Running Club, High Country Recreation, and Green Valley Park Association; the media; many supportive businesses, among them Mast General Store, Mystery Hill, Chetola, Bare Essentials, Watauga Building Supply, Green Mother Goods, Valor Engineering, Boone Bike, Bistro Roca, Blowing Rock Market, Westglow, Juice Plus, and Wahoos; and families and individuals from Boone, Blowing Rock, Middle Fork, and other parts of the county.
We thank you all and look forward to your presence when we dedicate the next portion: through Wayne and Sharon Underwoods’ Mystery Hill property, then through the NCDOT culvert beneath 321 to the planned Sterling Creek Park on the other side of the highway, on land donated by the Whitener Family.
Together we’ll build a greenway.
Middle Fork Greenway Task Force www.middleforkgreenway.org
3740 U.S. Hwy 321 South
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
MFG Task Force is a part of High Country Pathways