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 A Note from the Chairman...
Hello Everyone,
The Elkin Valley Trails Association is working toward building a 190 foot bridge over the Elkin Creek in the next two years; extending our in-town bike and walking trail to include a unique mountain bike and runners course; soon to install seventeen historical and nature signs on the current E & A Rail Trail thanks to Surry Health Department, Elkin Library, Trout Unlimited, Elkin High School, Ken and Pat Nicks of Tampco, Town of Elkin, Greenhill Environment and others; adding a number of benches to the trail; completing three Eagle Scout projects to serve the public; completing two new picnic areas on the greenway/trail; working on multiple sections of trail heading to Stone Mountain; working toward completing trail to Grassy Creek within two years. Raising money to pay for these projects depends on public support. Consider making a pledge over three years to the Elkin Valley Trails Association to help us more quickly achieve our goals for our greater community in Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin.
Regards, Bill Blackley, EVTA Chairperson |
 Trail Workday at Grassy Creek - Camino de Vino!
Bob Hilyer, EVTA Trail Development Chairperson, organized a work day at Grassy Creek Winery & Vineyard to test out using a bobcat for trail work. The bobcat was donated by AllStar Rentals (Joe Walker) of Elkin and operated by Jim Douthit. Five volunteers came along to watch, assist and offer advice. Work went fast and it seemed to clear the trail pretty well, especially on flat ground. As you can see, the Grassy Creek trail will be a scenic one! This section of trail will eventually be a part of The Vineyard Loop - aka Camino de Vino - which will connect all of the Elkin wineries to the current in-town trail and to the developing Stone Mountain Trail. In the next year or so, we'll be able to explore all four Elkin area vineyards on foot and on a bike. Get your picnic baskets ready!
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More Trail Work at Grassy Creek - Thanks, Trail Angels!
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We'll All Be Enjoying the Scenery at Grassy Creek Soon!
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Show Your Support for Trails at these Fundraisers!
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Duck & Turtle
Regatta
Sept 27, 2014
Saturday at the
Yadkin Valley
Pumpkin Festival
Race Starts 5:45 pm
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Insane Terrain 5K
October 18, 2014
Starts at 8:30 am
Awards for top finishers
in all age groups
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Vineyard Stomp 5k
October 25, 2014
at Grassy Creek
Vineyard & Winery
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Duck & Turtle Regatta/Race Details:
Sales of chances for the fastest ducks and turtles will begin Saturday, September 16 at the Elkin Farmers Market in the town hall parking lot and will continue up until the 20th of September each Saturday morning weather permitting. You can adopt a duck or a turtle - hopefully yours is the fastest - for $5 each (buy as many as you want). There will also be sales at some local business locations. EVTA will be selling chances the day of the Pumpkin Festival up until 5:00pm. Proceeds go to EVTA and Yadkin Valley Rotary Club and will help build our next bridge and benefit projects that serve the public good.
On Saturday, September 27 - The race will begin at 5:45pm at the Market Street/Elk Spur bridge above the library.
Some of the prizes for the winners of the regatta so far are: 1. 2 bicycles Walmart 2. Cracker Barrel Gold gift card dinner for two. 3. Generations Restaurant gift card dinner for two. 4. 222 Public House Restaurant gift card. 5. Dodge City Steak House Restaurant gift card dinner for two. 6. Elkin Recreation and Parks Gift membership for Gymnasium. 7. Amalfi's Pizza gift card dinner for two. 8. Yadkin Valley General Store gift card. Other prizes are coming and possibly a kayak, a metal detector, more restaurant gift certificates. You can't win if you don't play!
Insane Terrain 5k Details
October 18, 2014
All participants signing up before October 4 are guaranteed a
technical t-shirt
Race starts at 8:30 am and professionally timed by Twin City Track Club
Awards for top finishers in all age groups
Welcome all runners, hikers, walkers - Come support the new trail.
NEW location this year - start and finish is behind Elkin Recreation Department/Municipal Park on Hwy 268
Course will cross 2 bridges over the Big Elkin Creek with numerous water views and one large waterfall.
Sheetz truck on site for free coffee and smoothies for everyone
Skull Camp Brewery will be giving tastings and selling pints after race and available to all participants over 21 years of age.
Vineyard Stomp Details
A huge THANK YOU to Carolina Heritage Vineyards & Winery for supporting EVTA
with your Vineyard Stomp!
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Local Photographer to Donate to EVTA - Thanks Ben!
For as long as he can remember, Ben Erlandson has been a friend of the natural world and an avid hiker. Now back in Elkin, he is thrilled to be involved in the support of the Elkin Valley Trails Association. As one form of his support, from now until the end of the year, 50 percent of profits earned on all purchases of prints and downloads from Ben Erlandson's photography website will be donated to Elkin Valley Trails Association.
Spread the word to all your friends, family, and fellow supporters of EVTA. Don't wait until the end of the year to lend your support to EVTA by enjoying and sharing Ben's work.
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It's no longer just a dream!
The first part of the larger Stone Mountain Trail - the E & A Rail Trail - is open and being put to use by so many runners, walkers and bikers. If you haven't been on the trail yet, you can access it easily at Elkin's Municipal Park. Just follow the Elkin Creek upstream for a beautiful and gentle grade walk.
Join our efforts so that we can continue the trail 22 miles to Stone Mountain State Park and create our own segment of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
For Volunteer Ideas and Opportunities:
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Wow! This is What Community Spirit Can DO...
If you have walked the E & A Rail Trail, then you are familiar with the old brick, falling down structure by the creek. Thanks to local Boy Scouts, we now have two awesome shelters and a viewing stand being built on the trail. More pictures below...
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The project by the She Factory Dam with the viewing platform is the project of Jared Peterson, the son of Dr. Robert and Gina Peterson. The little shelter was a wreck as you all may know. The deep 8' hole was filled in the old roof taken off and brick stabilized. New roof, brick walls and now the viewing platform is almost complete. They are awaiting the stainless steel railings for the deck to be fabricated. It should be finished soon. Go take a look!
There is another project at the other shed just a bit farther down the trail This is the Eagle Project of Dylan Blankley and is supported by his dad, Keith, who will be receiving some help from Chip and Gambill Aldridge. These volunteers, with help from a brick mason, will replace the missing brick and help complete the project.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
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One more view of the view at the Shoe Factory Dam.
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We need a Website Manager! If you would like to volunteer with EVTA and have the skills to make our website awesome, please contact Denise Lyon at [email protected]
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Stay in Touch!
Elkin Valley Trails Association
PO Box 91
Elkin NC 28621
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