Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Butter Gap and Searcy Creek Projects
Brevard, NC – July 23, 2024 – Pisgah Area SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association), The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly enhanced Butter Gap Trail Complex in Pisgah National Forest. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place on July 19, 2024, was attended by project supporters, special guests, community leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Butter Gap Project features the grand opening of a newly aligned Butter Gap Trail, adding over 4.5 miles of multi-use singletrack to the forest. Additionally, 1.5 miles of the existing Butter Gap Trail alignment were rehabilitated. The project also includes the creation of the Searcy Creek Connector Trail, a 1.2-mile trail that provides essential connections for expanded singletrack loop options in the Fish Hatchery area of Pisgah National Forest.
Project Support and Funding
This project was made possible through the support of multiple partners and grants, including a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant from the State of North Carolina and a $75,000 investment from the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TCTDA) for trail construction and necessary environmental and archeological surveys. Additional support was provided by the Fox Factory’s Trail Trust, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Athletic Brewing’s Two for the Trails, The Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation, The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, Cane Creek Cycling Components, and FIND Outdoors.
Throughout the project, Pisgah Area SORBA volunteers contributed over 600 hours of labor, valued at more than $18,000.
Addressing Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
The Butter Gap Trail had been identified as unsustainable by the USFS over six years ago, necessitating rerouting and rehabilitation or closure. Heavy use and extreme weather events led to rapid trail degradation, threatening the surrounding watershed and aquatic species. The project's completion was heavily dependent on nonprofit partnerships with organizations like Pisgah Area SORBA and The Pisgah Conservancy.
Rock Solid Trails Contracting led and managed the Butter Gap Trail work, which included:
- Construction of 4.5 miles of new multi-use trail
- Rehabilitation of 1.5 miles of existing trail
- Construction of six rustic bridges using field-harvested timber
- Construction of a hike-only trail to mitigate user conflict in high-traffic areas
- Decommissioning and closing of 0.75 miles of unsustainable trail
The new trail and updates to the old trail were completed to preserve the backcountry experience of Pisgah National Forest while addressing modern-day trail traffic and increased rainfall activity. These efforts lead to a more sustainable trail, ensuring continued enjoyment for local residents and visitors while protecting critical environmental resources.
Enhancing User Experience
Managing user encounters was another crucial component of the project. Pisgah National Forest's heavy visitation historically included seasonal use of Cat Gap trail for mountain bikers. With the new trail construction, mountain bikers can now ride year-round on a portion of the new multi-use trail, while hikers have access to a portion of hike-only trail. This separation reduces user conflict and increases access for all forest users.
Daniel Sapp, President of Pisgah Area SORBA, stated:
"The Butter Gap Project is an exciting step forward in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. In addition to adding multiple miles of new trail, it also allows for new loop opportunities that largely avoid roads in an incredible area to ride, hike, and explore. This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, investment, and support from multiple partners. Years of advocacy, strong community support, and great relationships with our land managers are the only ways projects like this can happen. These projects are vital to keeping trails open and sustainable in today’s age of unprecedented increases in recreation on public lands."
In collaboration with the USFS, TPC provided support for the project, including funding and contracting for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and required archaeological surveys. TPC also oversaw the completion of the new Searcy Creek Connector Trail, expertly constructed through beautiful terrain by Chris “Shrimper” Khare and his company, Pisgah Pathologists. The creation of this new trail further activates one of the gravel roads closed to vehicles, creating a safer experience for users by removing them from the road.
Conclusion
The newly enhanced Butter Gap Trail Complex stands as a testament to what can be achieved through community effort, partnership, and dedication. This project not only provides enhanced recreational opportunities but also ensures the preservation and sustainability of Pisgah National Forest for future generations.