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Have you ever seen this sign and wondered what it means? The marker signifies that you’re about to enter the Carolina Thread Trail! This “ribbon of green” is a network of greenways, natural trails, and blueways (water trails) that encompasses 300 miles across 15 counties and two states. How lucky are we that some of those miles are right here in the Lake Norman area?
The Trail Begins
In 2005, the Foundation for the Carolinas worked with more than 40 regional leaders and organizations to identify the most pressing environmental needs of our region. Open space preservation emerged as the top priority, and the Carolina Thread Trail officially launched in 2007. There are now 88 communities with connected, adopted master plans with an average of 100 miles per county.
Weaving in History
Have you ever thought about where the Carolina Thread Trail got its name? I have to admit, I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. After all, it just makes sense to think of “thread” when it comes to a network of trails. But when I learned that the name “Carolina Thread Trail” is an homage to the region’s rich textile heritage, I loved it even more. I also have to admit that although I like the logo, I also never gave it much thought as I was biking or jogging past the long, thin markers with the logo on top of them. I was interested to learn that the logo was inspired by a traditional quilt pattern called the Eight-Pointed Star, in another nod to the significance of textiles in the history of our region. The logo also resembles a compass with the north and south points accented to represent North and South Carolina.
The Case for Carolina Thread Trail
So what are some of the benefits of having trails in our community? Well, how much time do you have? Study after study has shown the ways that something like the Carolina Thread Trail helps the people, economies, and natural environments of our communities. Trails, greenways and blueways have been shown to increase property values, promote tourism, improve air and water quality, and facilitate physical activity among adults and children.
Where to Find the Carolina Thread Trail
You can learn more about the Carolina Thread Trail and find an interactive trail map at CarolinaThreadTrailMap.org
Grace Kennedy is co-owner of Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman. Grace and her husband Tom sell and rent Pedego electric bikes at their location in the Antiquity Shopping Center in Cornelius. They have lived in Huntersville since 2016 and enjoy including their son and daughter in the adventure of owning a family business. Learn more about Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman at www.Pedego LKN.com.
