TRAILS

Where Trails Intersect, People Come Together

The first trails into the backcountry frontier of early America were often made by deer, bison, and other animals. Native people first utilized these trails and later European settlers followed in their footsteps. Throughout history, where major trails, paths, or roads intersect, commerce begins and communities form. Learning the history of our region’s first trails helps us understand the Native people’s and the first settlers’ lives and culture. Frequent use of primary trails by carts and wagons made them wider, eventually becoming permanent roads, such as The Great Wagon Road which became the primary route into North Carolina for early settlers. From this historic path were offshoots of unexplored animal-made and/or Native trails for the most adventurous pioneers. Adam Sherrill was one such settler. He took a road less traveled, now known as the Native Keowee Trail. This article on Sherrill’s Path by Piedmont Trails vividly describes these early days in North Carolina. A portion of Sherrill’s Path has been preserved in Troutman, NC. When the path’s existence was recognized, the Town of Troutman preserved this historic path within the new construction development known as Colonial Crossing. Through finding and recognizing these historic trails, we hope more can become connected in the future.

Trails, greenways, and blueways (water trails) create healthy spaces within communities that benefit humans and the natural world around us. Trails increase sunlight and create natural barriers and filters for streams, fostering biodiversity, and improving water quality. Time spent in nature has proven physical and mental health benefits as well as economic benefits where outdoor spaces provide enjoyable paths to explore nature, natural history, and access parks, cultural sites, and shopping. New trails and greenways are continually emerging within our towns and communities and, as such, part of the HEARTS mission is to share and connect these trails and their history throughout the Piedmont region. The T in HEARTS also connects with the E in HEARTS, so please visit our Ecology page for more nature resources!

Below is HEARTS’ collection of trailways, greenways, and blueways in the Piedmont region for your enjoyment the next time you’re looking for an outdoor activity to boost your physical and mental wellbeing.