High Country Life

History trails wind throughout the High Country and connect us to its rich past. These pathways also serve as corridors, linking us with diverse and resilient histories of our nation’s past.

Trail oversight can be challenging in the West, where expansive views may extend for miles. But it is still possible to preserve and elevate historic sites along America’s rail-trails.

History of the Trails

Benton MacKaye first presented his vision of an Appalachian Trail as a recreational travel and community development initiative over 100 years ago, which has since expanded to encompass over 2,192 miles and be maintained by volunteers of the Appalachian Mountain Club. It stands as testament to human ingenuity as well as embody values like teamwork, volunteerism and outdoor enjoyment.

John Pfertsh, 49, stands in a sagebrush meadow in western Colorado’s upper Cherry Creek Canyon and looks out over a ridge that rises over the sagebrush and juniper landscapes of western Colorado’s upper Cherry Creek Canyon. He points out a faint pattern in the terrain: one of many old trails that once traversed this terrain. While wagon traffic incised deep ruts on Oregon or Mormon Trails through Wyoming steppe, pack trains of horses and mules mostly used what became known as Old Spanish Trail which left less imprinted routes that varied according to time of year, animal type hauled and state/tribal relations.

Today’s trails are typically marked by white “blazes” painted on trees or rocks; in open areas and mountain summits they may also be attached to scree walls or cairns for easier navigation. Though blazes make following the trail easier, hikers should still refer to local maps and pay attention to other markings like property lines and snowmobile routes before setting out.

Trail history and future are inextricably intertwined, telling a tale of conserving wildlands and cultural heritage. Unfortunately, parks and federal lands across the nation are currently facing pressure from private developers, energy companies, and other interests looking to extract minerals, oil, or natural gas. Coupled with budget cuts and high turnover among land managers in local field offices, this makes protecting historic routes increasingly challenging.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, opened in 2002, seeks to change this. By convening various trail partners under its banner and helping preserve these precious places while telling their tales.

Trails in the High Country

No matter your adventure or strolling preference, the High Country provides trails suitable for every taste and ability. Boasting panoramic mountain views, breathtaking waterfalls, and fascinating history sites – you’re guaranteed an enjoyable hiking adventure here.

Over centuries, human hands and nature have come together to shape this pristine landscape, leaving behind remnants that showcase its many wildlife and plants that call the High Country home, including raccoons, bears, hawks, and owls. Visitors also come here to uncover its heritage from first settlers as well as learn more about its vibrant culture that continues to thrive here in North Carolina.

Hiking in the High Country involves exploring not just mountains but also communities shaped by them. Many times their stories can be found along trails they built or used as their lives pushed them in new directions.

Jack Pfertsh, an historian in Colorado, spends much of his time hunting among the dry grasses of Colorado’s Old Spanish Trail in search of signs left behind by early travelers navigating its path. While Oregon and Mormon Trails witnessed constant wagon traffic that incised distinctive ruts into the earth’s surface, while Old Spanish Trail was more fluid with regard to time of year, type of animals transported, tribal relations issues or weather conditions determining its path.

Blind Rock marks an old gneiss boulder known to early Native Americans and European settlers alike as the boundary between territories claimed by various tribes. Later on in the 1850s, this spot became a flashpoint as Union and Confederate deserters vied for territory after the Civil War had concluded.

Moses Cone Manor and Memorial Park trails offer visitors the chance to explore the summer estate of textile magnate and philanthropist Moses Cone, now home to Southern Highlands Craft Guild grounds. Margaret Mitchell famously wrote part of Gone With the Wind here during her stay there during 1920s.

Trails in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina boasts an expansive trail system. From majestic mountain vistas and urban greenways, to historic ruins and sites – Western North Carolina trails connect people and places across generations and provide us with a greater understanding of history through connection to it today.

Public lands make up most trails in this region, and many trails feature historical markers to mark significant events or sites, points of interest or the presence of an artifact from past.

While fresh air and rustling leaves entice some hikers, others are drawn to wild history outside museum walls, where centuries of history still lie embedded within the landscape. Hikers who seek something more immersive are drawn to ruins or other forms of heritage found outside museum walls–where centuries of history still lie embedded within it. Hikers interested in such things might come across crumbling foundations, ancient earthen structures or crumbled stone walls–all providing the sense that you’ve entered another time and place and can imagine life as it might have been.

Western North Carolina is home to some of the country’s most celebrated historic trails. The Appalachian Trail traverses 88 miles through this state and is the oldest National Scenic Trail. Additionally, Thomas Wolfe Memorial and other State Historic Sites in this region are renowned for taking visitors back in time to another world.

One of the most fascinating stories to emerge from our area’s Civil War experience is Charles Frasier’s best-selling novel and Cold Mountain movie adaptation which depict real events which occurred here during one of America’s bloodiest chapters of history.

History enthusiasts and those seeking an insight into our nation’s turbulent history should visit these historic sites, whether to explore old farmstead remnants or stand at places where Civil War soldiers died and were injured.

Trails in Western Virginia

The Washington Heritage Trail spans three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and provides a journey through three centuries of American history – from colonial spa towns to 19th century industrial sites, railroad landmarks, and Civil War locations. You’ll even follow in George Washington’s footsteps along this National Scenic Byway while experiencing breathtaking 136 mile scenic vistas!

Although this trail is predominantly driven, its recreational opportunities provide much-needed breaks along its course. Hiking, horseback riding, biking and fishing are popular activities along its length as are scenic lookouts like Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry where President John F. Kennedy would stop to admire Potomac and Shenandoah rivers below him. Historic sites and monuments along its length also provide insight into who built this region over time.

As opposed to Oregon and Mormon trails, which left visible wagon ruts behind them, the Old Spanish Trail was more complex in nature, featuring numerous routes which changed depending on time of year, animal type used and tribal relations – leaving only faint remnants of its original path visible today. Some areas still maintain high levels of historical integrity with visible remnants of its path along with historic artifacts and unobstructed views – these are areas Heritage Trails is targeting in their upcoming project.

In June 1995, the project made its inaugural public debut during a festive press launch on the steps of Federal Hall. A short film about its organization was shown along with speeches from Richard Kaplan, Borough President Ruth Messinger and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani as well as stilt walkers and an acrobat teetering on one leg to round out this memorable occasion.

Heritage Trails presented a brochure and discussed their concept for a downtown tour and information center; unfortunately no site within their budget ever materialized so this aspect of their project remained unrealized.

At its May 8, 1995 meeting, the Art Commission approved of HTNY’s markers with some reservations. They recommended exploring various signage options and creating an evaluation system before coming back to them with another proposal for consideration by the Board.