Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve
Acquired by SE Trust: 2013
Location: Yancey County, NC
Acres: 750
Conserved: Yes
Recreation Status: 2021 Active with ongoing Plan and Build
Current Recreation: Birding, Bouldering, Hiking
Planned Recreation: Disc Golf, Mountain Biking
Environmental Stewardship Focus: Bears, Birds, Pollinators
Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve is 750 acres of beautiful nature land located about 25 miles due north of Asheville NC up against the Tennessee state line and the Appalachian Trail. It is perpetually conserved to remain natural and to have no cost public recreation.
In 2020 STPAL invested over $25,000 as a phase 1 the trail system restoration process. The restoration is for the purposes of improving public hiking use and for stream protection. The restored trails total about 4 miles. There is another 4 miles to be restored in 2022. Ultimately additional trails will be built that are optimized for mountain bike usage. Additionally there is need for additional public parking to properly and safely access the hiking trails on the north tract.
In partnership with the Carolina Climbers Coalition a 3 phase project has begun to facilitate bouldering and other climbing activities. To date there have been 6 distinct bouldering areas inventoried with each having at least 50 problems (routes). The boulders are particularly well suited based on their locations, sizes, variety, and mineral composition. Upon completion of the 3 phases this site will likely become a regionally significant climbing resource.
In partnership with the Audubon Society, the USDA, and NC Forestry a project is underway to establish a habitat zone for migratory birds with a specific focus on the threatened Golden Wing Warbler. This project will be completed in 2023.
In 2020 the Friends of Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve was launched. This group will provide support for STPAL's mission related activities at the preserve.