It's official: Franklinville is Randolph's first NC Trail Town

ASHEBORO — During ceremonies dedicating the Bush Creek section of the Deep River State Trail, Franklinville was recognized as a certified Outdoor NC Trail Town.

Melody Varner, tourism development coordinator for the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority, made the Trail Town announcement.

“We are proud to announce that the Town of Franklinville has officially been designated an Outdoor NC Trail Town,” Varner said. “Franklinville is the first and only Trail Town in Randolph County.”

The recognition boils down to the town’s commitment to trails, local history and improving the community. With the completion of the Bush Creek Bridge and expansion of the trail from the Faith Rock trail head, the Deep River State Trail runs three miles from Sandy Creek to Bush Creek. 

When the trail is completed to Harlan Creek in Ramseur with another section to Cedar Falls, the Deep River State Trail (DRST) will offer hikers six miles of connected trails along picturesque Deep River, according to Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County trails coordinator.

Varner explained that earlier this year those involved with DRST worked with Outdoor NC through its Trail Town Stewardship Designation Program. 

“As we explored this initiative, Franklinville stood out as a natural fit,” Varner said. “With its existing trails, beautiful natural surroundings, historical significance and continued investment in outdoor recreation, Franklinville is becoming a hub for people looking to experience the outdoors.”

Varner said trails connect people to nature, preserve local history, bring people together and reveal the unique character of communities.

“This recognition celebrates Franklinville’s commitment to outdoor recreation, responsible stewardship, and the preservation of the natural and cultural resources that make this community unique,” Varner said.

She then presented the framed Certificate of Achievement to the Town of Franklinville as an Outdoor NC Trail Town to Mayor Ben Harman. “This is something we can be proud of,” he said, thanking all those who have contributed to the development of the Deep River State Trail.

Pugh gave an overview of the Bush Creek project, which extends the Franklinville portion of the DRST and will initiate continuation of the trail to Cedar Falls. She credited Mac Whatley, head of the NC Textile Museum, Jerry Neal, owner of Neal Hydropower, and the adjacent truck repair property for allowing easements for the Bush Creek portion of the trail.

Pugh then explained that the new DRST trailhead and directional signs were designed by a collaboration of the three municipalities associated with the trail — Randleman, Franklinville and Ramseur. The City of Asheboro designed the logo and produced the now 29 signs, turning down payment for materials.

Who is in the photo

Assisting Mayor Harman in cutting the ribbon to officially open the Bush Creek portion of the DRST were, from left, County Commissioner Hope Haywood, Palmer McIntyre of the Piedmont Land Conservancy, Pugh, and Franklinville commissioners Billy Farias, Whatley and Richard Goodwin, though the photo unfortunately did not capture Goodwin at the far right.