Friends of DuPont Forest has long advocated for a Master Recreation Plan to ensure the protection of DuPont Forest well into the future. We are pleased to announce a contractor has been chosen to begin the important process of developing the plan and a vision for the future of recreation in the Forest
DuPont State Recreational Forest, the N. C. Forest Service (NCFS) and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have awarded the DuPont Forest Master Recreation Plan contract to Mattern & Craig, who will collaborate with IBI Consulting, C2 Recreation Consultants, and Terra Incognito Trail Consultants.
The recreation plan will make recommendations for recreational infrastructure improvements and trail system management. These recommendations will balance the current and future needs of the Forest’s diverse visitors while also protecting forest resources and natural communities. Mattern & Craig will develop the DuPont Forest plan using public involvement, research and direct observation of current use.
“When DuPont State Recreational Forest opened to the public in 1995, it included a system of inherited trails, roads and facilities that were not designed for our current level of visitation,” said Forest Supervisor Jason Guidry. “The plan will assess the current conditions for safety and sustainability and provide the agency with guidance for future recreation management.”
Funding for the Master Recreation Plan was set aside by the N.C. General Assembly in 2021. The state funds include $200,000 for the development of the master recreation plan and $550,000 for implementing the plan.
“This support will allow us to identify management solutions that protect our irreplaceable natural communities while providing financially sustainable and safe outdoor recreational experiences for the public,” Guidry said. “This type of planning is highly needed at DuPont as we adjust to ever-increasing popularity as a recreational destination.”
Between the ice and snow and rain, the single-track trails in DuPont Forest are a muddy mess. Please help us protect our trails and stick to Forest roads and two-track trails.
From the N.C. Forest Service
“In response to extremely wet conditions, DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) has closed all single-track trails effective until noon, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Forest roads and two-track trails will remain open. Visitors are asked to stay off the single-track trails because wet trails are susceptible to rutting, erosion, and other damage from foot, bicycle and equestrian traffic. Several drying days will be necessary before single-track trails can reopen. DSRF staff appreciates visitors adjusting plans and remembering that we each play a role in keeping the trail system sustainable for future use.”
Updates to this advisory will be available on the DSRF website.
Roads and Wider Double-Track Trails that Remain Open During a Single-Track Trail Closure:
The Airstrip (the paved airstrip is open; the Airstrip Trail is CLOSED)
Bridal Veil Falls Road
Buck Forest Road
Camp Summit Road
Conservation Road
Corn Mill Shoals Trail
Hickory Mountain Road (currently closed due to timber harvest)
Fawn Lake Road
High Falls Loop
Holly Road
Hooker Falls Trail (hiking only)
Joanna Road
Lake Imaging Road
Lake Julia Road
Rock Quarry Road
Sheep Mountain Road
Tarkiln Branch Road
Thomas Cemetery Road
White Pine Trail
White Pine Loop
Wintergreen Falls Trail