Plans are in the works to continue the Falls Trail, making it a loop to connect back to the Grassy Gap Creek lower trail head. During the Winter work is scheduled on this project. Volunteers are needed. Check with Eric at the Rec Center if you are interested in helping. Call 828-387-3003.

We are looking for folks to Adopt-a-Trail. Contact Eric at the Buckeye Rec Center at 828-387-3003. Be a part of making Beech Mountain a great place.

Summer mowing on the Wild Iris Trail continues to be done by Rory Ellington and looks great! The large wash out at the Cherry Gap end is scheduled for repair soon. The trail is passable, but exercise caution at the washout.

A new access into the upper area of Buckeye Lake is in the works. Clearing the area, moving some dirt with a backhoe, a load of gravel and signage is needed to complete this project. Hopefully it will be completed soon. Other plans for developing this area are being discussed.

Falls Trail Extension Underway

After several years of working toward extending the Falls Trail to loop back to the Recreation Center area, work began July 21. A crew of five professional trail builders headed by Jeremy Early are doing the construction being added in conjunction with the Recreation staff trail crew.

This trail has become one of the mountains most popular family hiking trails with is convenient location to Buckeye.

Funding for this project has come from proceeds from "A Cool 5", the annual mountain five mile running event, held in June. Additional funds have come from a grant from the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department awarded to Beech Mountain on July 1. With these two funding sources, this trail will be constructed without cost to the tax payers of the Town.

Thanks to all "Cool 5" participants and Watauga County.

This trail will continue from the bottom terminus point where the bridge crosses Buckeye Creek and proceed back to the area near the apple trees and the new playground. This 2000 feet of new trail will be constructed as a three foot wide trail with rock retaining wall construction from materials found along the trail. A gental slope will be constructed of the up-hill portion to aid hikers in their ascent back to Buckeye.

You are invited to check out the construction and progress as work continues. Look for a mid to late August completion of this addition.

West Bowl Loop Closed Due To Development.

2009 Winter Schedule now available and can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce--Visitors Center or at Fred's or click here to view and print. Seven guided hikes scheduled November through March. Plan on joining us!

Please watch for a posting of the new trail workday schedule.

New trail signs have been placed along the new section thanks to Gil Adams.

THE FALLS TRAIL:
After several reroutings of the beginning of this popular trail, we hope the final trail route is complete. A new bulletin board with information an directions are in place just at the entrance into the Buckeye Water Treatment Plant. Be sure to read it before hiking.

The Spring washout on the section going down to the first bridge has be repaired. Additional work will be done soon to make the descent easier.

The new fence is up to help direct hikers behind the water treatment plant. Spots along Buckeye Creek are great to stick your feet in and cool off during the summer. But watch out for slippery rocks. And, don't forget, children should always be accompanied by parents. This is a great hike and be sure not to miss it!

A new picnic table is in place at the end of the trail across the bridge.

CHESTNUT FALL
The trail through Chestnut Falls will reopen soon. The property owners have granted permission to follow the old trail from the West Bowl area down to Pinnacle Ridge Road. This will connect to Deergrass and through to Buckeye Rec Center. New signage and trail markings will be done soon. Watch for the reopening of this trail.

ADOPTION OF WILD IRIS TRAIL has been done by the Smith and Hawsly Families. We are grateful to them for their support of our trail system.