Blazing trails in Franklinville

Sep 29, 2009 (The Randolph Guide - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- SCRK | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- FRANKLINVILLE -- The first phase of a proposed 15-mile walking trail was officially opened last Saturday at a trail head on Rising Sun Way.

The Deep River Rail-Trail, which was first envisioned about 20 years ago, opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walks along the former railroad bed by a number of local residents. The three-fourths-mile section is completed to Sandy Creek.

"This is a chance to get out and enjoy the natural setting without fear of traffic," said Franklinville Commissioner Perry Connor, who has had a hand in developing the trail. "We envision expanding it so you can park in downtown Franklinville or Ramseur. The goal is to link Cedar Falls to Ramseur."

Also in the plans is an extension from Cedar Falls north to Climax. That would make the Deep River Rail-Trail a distance of 15 miles, according to information provided in a pamplet.

Connor said having a walking trail through the natural setting will help support economic development and attract tourists.

The trail follows the rail bed once used by the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad. When train service down N.C. 22 to Ramseur was ended a couple of decades ago, the rails were removed but the flat surface remained.

What was needed for a walking train was clearing of the underbrush and spreading of fine gravel. That work was made possible by a grant of $50,000.

Darrell McBain of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources Trails Program said the project included the state working with local government officials.

"Look what $50,000 has done for this area," McBain said. "I'm from Liberty and we're very jealous of you. I think it'll get tremendous use.

"I want this to become the first open segment of the Deep River State Trail," said McBain. Eventually, he said, hopes are to tie it in with Randleman Lake, Greensboro and Jamestown. "It could be a tremendous state trail."

Kevin Franklin, town manager of Ramseur, said he was "very pleased with what Franklinville has been able to accomplish. We hope to have a long trail from Ramseur and upriver."

Franklin said a grant for the trail awarded to Ramseur had been on hold, but that it's now "back on track. We can begin to do planning and we look forward to the day we can connect with this trail."

A feature along the Deep River Rail-Trail at Franklinville is an old fish weir believed to be the work of Native Americans who once lived in the area. The weir is a low, V-shaped dam of rocks in Deep River that was used to trap fish.

Developers of the trail are currently negotiating with a property owner to get access to a segment that would lead to Riverside Park in the downtown area. That would make the Franklinville section 1.34 miles in length.

Also at the trail opening were N.C. Sec. of Commerce and Asheboro resident Keith Crisco, N.C. Rep. Pat Hurley of Asheboro, Al Capehart and Dilys Bowman of N.C. Rail-Trails, and property owner Harvey Harman.

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