August 2009

Rails with Trails Petition--Virginia

Submitted by NC Rail-Trails on August 24, 2009

The Virginia Bicycling Federation, along with 25 national, state and local organizations has endorsed a resolution asking Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine to support rails with trails along all major rail projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Major upgrades to three signicant rail corridors are being planned, including the Southeast High Speed Corridor (Richmond to Raleigh). The Federation supports this growth and believes this offers a great opportunity for rail with trail development. NCRT supports these efforts by the VA Bicycling Federation and urges our members and all others supporting rail trail development to read the resolution and sign the petition. See the Winter 2008 Little Toot article for earlier commentary.

Grand Opening for Initial Phase of Deep River Rail Trail

Submitted by NC Rail-Trails on August 17, 2009

The Grand Opening for Initial Phase of Deep River Rail Trail will include a walking tour of the trail, including the fish weir. Activities begin at 10am on Saturday, September 19th in at the railhead parking lot on Rising Sun Way, in Franklinville, Randolph County (directions, map, below). Everyone is welcome!

  • ¾-mile section of trail on an old rail bed paralleling the Deep River. About a 2-mile round-trip hike. Forested trail, new trail surface.
  • Visit the historic fish weir on the Deep River, adjacent to trail.
  • Souvenir Atlantic & Yadkin railroad artifacts (donations accepted) at the opening event.
  • Free blood pressure screenings and health info (by Randolph Hospital) at the opening event.

Directions and Map

From Asheboro and points west: from the intersection of Hwy 220 and Hwy 64 in Asheboro, it is about 7.7 miles east on Hwy 64 to the turnoff at Andrew Hunter Road / NC 2235; turn left here and go 1.8 miles. Take a slight right onto West Main St. (NC Hwy 22) and go about .75 miles. Turn right on to Rising Sun Way (you will see a sign for the trail) and drive a short distance to the trailhead parking lot.

From Siler City and points east: drive west on Highway 64 to Ramseur; turn right on NC Hwy 22 North and drive about 1.4 miles to Rising Sun Way (see sign for trail). Turn left on to Rising Sun Way and drive a short distance to the parking lot.

From Climax or Pleasant Garden to the north: drive south on NC Highway 22 all the way into Franklinville. Continue to follow Hwy 22 (it becomes Main St.) through town. About 0.5 miles past downtown, turn right at Rising Sun Way (see signs for trail) and drive a short distance to the trailhead parking lot.