GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, NC- On Saturday, June 5, Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of its organized trail program. Volunteers are invited to help with trail maintenance in the Mountain’s backcountry.
The backcountry became a North Carolina State Park this past year and volunteer efforts on the trails will be led by Rangers from the North Carolina State Park Service as well as rangers from the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction.
“We appreciate the support and the assistance from the public. This is a good opportunity to help the new State Park,” said Sue McBean Superintendent of Grandfather Mountain State Park.
To ensure the health and safety of the trails, volunteers will help with routine maintenance including debris clean up, water bar installation, trail marking and high branch removal.
“This past winter was the worst winter we’ve had since I have worked here,” said Trails Manager Luke Appling. “ We have placed all of our focus on cleaning up the trails for the spring and we have gotten behind on our regularly scheduled duties.”
Volunteers will meet at the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate at 9:30 am. Tools are provided but volunteers are asked to wear good hiking shoes, gloves and safety glasses.
“This will be a great opportunity for the trails staff to get caught up and for the public to gain an appreciation for the trails system,” said Appling.
Admission to the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction is free to those who volunteer. For more information about the National Trails Day Volunteer Project at Grandfather Mountain or to volunteer, send an e-mail to hiking@grandfather.com or call 828-737-0833.
For more information about Grandfather Mountain State Park, please visit http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/grmo/main.php.
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