Trail Maintenance Progress

For the trails identified in the Trail Maintenance Outlook Recommendations (pages 64–69 of the Master Recreation Plan), meaningful progress has been made!

  • Burnt Mountain Trail was repaired through a professional trail contract in early 2025.
  • Mine Mountain Trail was repaired and rerouted through a trail contract in late 2024 (immediately following Hurricane Helene) with work continuing into 2025.
  • Reasonover Creek Trail received a complete reconditioning in 2025, improving durability while better protecting water quality.
  • Little River Trail was repaired and reconditioned through a trail contract in 2024 following Hurricane Helene.
  • Ruffed Grouse Trail and Shoal Creek Trail were reconditioned by staff using equipment, with support from volunteers, just before Helene. As a result, both trails held up well during the storm and are now in much better condition.
  • Stone Mountain Trail remains closed due to the extent of degradation and the high cost required for any potential reopening. The trail sustained additional damage during Helene and has been temporarily removed from the DuPont State Recreational Forest map.
  • Rocky Ridge Trail, Big Rock Trail, and Cedar Rock Trail received a focused professional maintenance assessment. This study identified problem areas, recommended solutions, and provided cost estimates. The assessment will be an important resource if repairs for these trails are ever put out for bid.
  • Wintergreen Falls Trail got a major upgrade with the addition of a new stone staircase leading to the falls. Friends of DuPont Forest and NC Forest Service staff partnered with master stone mason Fred Lashley to complete the project. Using six tons of stone, Fred also instructed our crew in the advanced techniques required to build a staircase that is both highly sustainable and beautifully integrated into the landscape.

New Trail Planning 

A scope of work has been developed for the planning phase of proposed horse/hike trails connecting Ruffed Grouse to Boundary and Jim Branch to Hooker Creek Connector (referred to as Ridgeline Slowdown in pages 78–79 of the Master Recreation Plan). These trails would be renamed prior to implementation.

At this time, the project has progressed through the development of the planning scope and is awaiting approval to move forward. If approved, next steps would include identifying a contractor, obtaining cost estimates, and proceeding with the planning process.

The final product would be a comprehensive trail plan—a foundational document that could support a contract to construct two new horse/hike trails connecting the Guion Farm area to Lake Imaging.

None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers. Special thanks to our Trail Crew Leaders and the NC Forest Service Recreation Department for the countless hours, care, and commitment they bring to the Forest.

Trail Closures

Several trail closures recommended in the Master Recreation Plan (pages 73–78, Recommended Trails for Closure) have already been completed. These trails have also been removed from the official map:

  • Bridal Overlook Trail
  • Grassy Meadow Trail
  • Barn Trail
  • Sandy Trail
  • Table Rock Trail
  • Kids Bike Loop
  • Cart Trail
  • Lake View Loop
  • Nooks Trail

Remaining closures still to be completed:

  • One-half of Poplar Hill Trail
  • Rifle Trail