2023 NC Year of the Trail

The NC General Assembly designated 2023 as NC Year of the Trail, an effort led by the Great Trails State Coalition,  a broad-based group of diverse organizations, agencies, and supporters advocating for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide: hiking, paddle, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved.

 The Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast and diverse collection of scenic trails, paths, and greenways, and encourages all of us to recognize our role as champions of these special resources. They are valuable to communities because the benefits they provide can be readily and freely enjoyed by all, whether for hiking, biking, walking, or running, on our own or with kids on our shoulders and dogs trotting ahead. These paths are a place of refuge and recreation. In Cornelius, our trails and greenways contribute to the overall sense of place and the quality of life for our residents and potential visitors. 

We plan to celebrate the Year of the Trail with a host of events throughout 2023. You will have opportunities to improve your physical and mental well-being, connect with nature to escape the stress of life, create community though volunteering, or enjoy a fun outing with family and friends – to enjoy, to sustain, and to champion. Come along with us this year as we celebrate Year of the Trail!

Did you know that we have a variety of options for your enjoyment, from earthen trails through wooded areas to paved greenways? Check them all out here!

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Cornelius Trail Passport

We are challenging community members to visit all nine greenways and trails associated with our new Cornelius Trail Passport! From March 13-September 30, be on the lookout for green check-in signs, which will each have a QR code. Trails include:

- Antiquity Greenway- Bailey Road Park Nature Trail- Caldwell Station Creek Greenway
- Jetton Park Trail- McDowell Creek Greenway Phase I- McDowell Creek Greenway Phase II
- Plum Creek Greenway- Robbins Park Nature Trails- South Prong Rocky River Greenway

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Just scan each QR code on each trail to check-in.

By checking-in at all nine locations, you will receive a swag bag including Year of the Trail merchandise (socks and/or t-shirt, subject to availability), exclusive sticker or magnet commemorating your completion of the challenge, and more.

YOTT Passport Square

At the end of September, all who complete the challenge will be entered to win various prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes include, but are not limited to a free pair of shoes from Fleet Feet of Huntersville, two 4-hour e-bike rentals from Pedego LKN, a $50 gift card to Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, a $25 gift card to Whit's Frozen Custard, a RAY-Active pass from Mecklenburg Park & Recreation, a hot chocolate kit from Kilwin's, a $50 gift card to Sweet Cakes Bakery, and two (2) tickets to a Fall 2023 show at the Cain Center for the Arts.

Questions? Email Emily Halden.

Past Celebratory Events

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