Posted: October 17, 2025 | Industry News
Conservation efforts are gaining momentum in western North Carolina as Conserving Carolina has secured 49 acres on the east side of Lake Lure, setting the stage for future sections of the planned Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail.
The newly protected property, located along Buffalo Shoals Road, will serve as a key anchor point for trails that will eventually form part of a 100-mile loop around Lake Lure and the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge region. This ambitious trail network aims to connect Chimney Rock State Park, Weed Patch Mountain, Youngs Mountain, and the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge area near Bearwallow Mountain.
“Acquiring property is one of the biggest hurdles to constructing a new trail,” said Kristin Cozza, Trails and Greenways Manager for Conserving Carolina. “The Complete the Trails Program gives state trail sponsors like us a boost over this hurdle so we can get trails on the ground and provide public access to some of the state’s most magnificent landscapes.”
The long-term goal is to create a continuous, publicly accessible trail loop completely encircling Lake Lure, linking popular recreation areas and nearby communities while enhancing regional tourism and outdoor access.
The Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, once completed, will be one of North Carolina’s most scenic long-distance trail systems—offering opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, and nature observation through some of the state’s most ecologically diverse mountain landscapes.
Conserving Carolina’s new 49-acre acquisition brings that vision one step closer to reality. The site’s sustainable topography makes it ideal for a contour trail design, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing accessibility and scenic value. The property’s location also helps prevent potential residential development along the lake’s east side, preserving both the natural character of the shoreline and public access opportunities.
Funding for the purchase was made possible through the N.C. Complete the Trails Program, a state initiative designed to accelerate land acquisition for trail development and expand outdoor recreation opportunities statewide.
In addition to advancing trail connectivity, the land purchase also safeguards an ecologically rich habitat. A biological survey conducted on the property documented 239 plant and animal species and identified potential habitat for 27 rare species.
During a site visit this spring, Conserving Carolina staff observed a black bear roaming through the forest, heard the calls of migratory songbirds, and walked among blooming mountain laurels—reminders of the biodiversity and natural beauty this land supports.
By conserving the property, the organization is ensuring that this thriving mountain ecosystem remains intact, balancing recreational development with responsible environmental stewardship.
The 49-acre acquisition is part of Conserving Carolina’s broader mission to protect natural lands, create outdoor recreation opportunities, and support community resilience across western North Carolina. While additional land acquisitions will be needed before trail construction can begin, the Buffalo Shoals purchase marks a significant step forward for both the Lake Lure loop and the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail vision.
With continued collaboration among local partners, state programs, and conservation-minded landowners, this new section promises to one day welcome hikers, nature lovers, and families exploring one of North Carolina’s most treasured landscapes.