Middle Fork Greenway
The Middle Fork Greenway (MFG) is an emerging multi-use greenway managed by Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC)in partnership with Watauga County, towns of Blowing Rock and Boone, and numerous community partners. When complete, the MFG will be approximately 6.5 miles long and will connect Blowing Rock to the existing Boone Greenway, creating 12 miles of continuous trails. It will also connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains to Sea Trail.
The first segment of the MFG, approximately 0.85 miles, is open and being enjoyed. This section is anchored by Tweetsie Railroad theme park, a major regional attraction with 235,000 visitors per year. It also includes the 3.7-acre Sterling Creek Park picnic area. The MFG will follow the Middle Fork New River and the Highway 321 corridor.
Significant progress is happening on the MFG right now; funding is in hand to construct the next 1.75 miles (Sections 1 and 4), and an additional tract to extend the existing trail will be purchased in 2019. As the MFG is being established, the MFG Team and partners believe there is great opportunity to restore the Middle Fork New River and tributaries, restore a thriving native riparian buffer, provide habitat in areas where needed, and provide public access opportunities.