New trail under construction at Old Fort
Work has started on a new 3-mile trail near Old Fort.
Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail will link from Jarrett Creek Road at the end of the existing Heartbreak Ridge and Star Gap East Trails to the Copper Ridge Section of the Fonta Flora Trail. It will accommodate hiking and mountain biking.
The trail is expected to open in spring 2024 and is part of a 42-mile trail expansion planned in the Old Fort area. The Lower Heartbreak Trail is a key connection that will realize the vision of connecting from Mount Mitchell to the Town of Old Fort almost entirely on singletrack trail.
Funding comes from the McDowell County Tourism and Development Authority, state budget funding and a grant from the N.C. State Recreation and Trails Program.