Cantrell Creek trail is popular amongst hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. The original trail crossed through Cantrell Creek numerous times over its course. This caused erosion and significant sedimentation into Cantrell Creek and South Mills River, both of which provide habitat to species such as the Eastern Hellbender and Southern Appalachian Brook Trout.
Like many of Pisgah’s trails, the section of the original Cantrell Creek trail we relocated was an old railroad grade. It was originally built for timber harvest in the early 1900s and had degraded significantly over time due to heavy use and being in an unsustainable location.
The project included three key phases: Decommissioning a section of the original Cantrell Creek Trail; constructing a new, sustainable 2.5 mile section of trail that was built on a slope away from the creek; and restoring stream banks along the decommissioned section of trail.
Following completion of this project, the U.S. Forest Service reopened Cantrell Creek trail for use in fall 2019. The trail is now situated above the creek, allowing visitors to admire the beautiful watershed while enjoying their hike or ride.
This project was initiated by the Pisgah and Land of Sky chapters of Trout Unlimited in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and TPC was proud to work alongside these partners, as well as the team at Trail Dynamics, to help bring this project to fruition.
