In celebration of National Take a Hike Day, the N.C. Department of Transportation, alongside the Great Trails State Coalition, highlighted the substantial benefits of North Carolina's trail network, which spans from the mountainous terrains to its sandy coasts, noting its significance in bolstering the state's economy through tourism, real estate, and local jobs. "Trails deliver returns that most public investments can't touch," Palmer McIntyre, Director of the Great Trails State Coalition, explained, emphasizing the economic and community-driven impacts these paths have fostered, with information obtained from a press release issued by the NCDOT.
The collaboration has birthed a video showcasing North Carolina’s diverse array of trails that serve a multitude of recreational activities from hiking and biking to equestrian pursuits and water-based adventures; the video aims to highlight the availability of these trails to all residents and tourists in all 100 counties of the state, illustrating a widespread access to this natural resource, as described in the video created by NCDOT and the Great Trails State Coalition. Brennon Fuqua, NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division director, told the NCDOT that, “Trails are essential," and highlighted how they "improve mobility, promote healthy lifestyles and service as economic boosters for local communities," further indicating the comprehensive benefits that extend beyond the readily-apparent recreational use.
According to a study by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education, funded by NCDOT in 2018, the outdoor recreation scene in North Carolina is booming, contributing a substantial $16.2 billion to the industry and supporting over 145,000 jobs within the state. Additionally, this investment seems to yield considerable returns with communities seeing an estimated $1.72 for every dollar spent on trail construction which isn't just limited to economic benefits but also includes gains in health and transportation sectors showing it's not merely a cost but an investment with multifaceted rewards, according to the NCDOT press release.
For individuals interested in viewing the celebratory video or obtaining additional details about the trails in North Carolina, the NCDOT encourages visits to their webpage and the Great Trails of NC online portal.
