Bracken Preserve phase 4
Brevard, North Carolina
The Bracken Preserve’s new trail system adds nearly two miles, marking the culmination of a project more than five years in the making.
Long Cane Trails was first approached by the City of Brevard in 2021 to redesign the steep section beyond the parking lot. As planning progressed, Conserving Carolinas joined the effort, purchasing additional property that allowed the city to expand the system around Waterford Place. Following years of planning and land acquisition, I worked closely with Howard Granat with the Parks and Recreation Department to develop the vision for this new two-mile system.
Once the design was finalized, the community, individual donors, and partner organizations stepped up to secure the necessary funding. After a competitive bidding process by 2 other Professional Trail-builders, the City of Brevard awarded Long Cane Trails the construction contract.
While there were initial discussions regarding berms and single track sections for the mountain bike trail, we chose a design and build that serves the broader community. Recognizing that the majority of Bracken Preserve visitors are hikers, runners, and families, our mission was to create a trail that is welcoming for walkers while remaining engaging for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers.
The project was completed using a hybrid construction model. Long Cane Trails managed the professional machine work and technical construction, while Pisgah Area SORBA led an incredible volunteer effort. Volunteers cleared debris, removed roots, and performed finishing work , allowing our team to focus on crafting sustainable, high-quality trails.
This hybrid approach also proved highly cost-effective. With over $15,000 in volunteer labor and approximately $35,000 in design/ build donations from Long Cane Trails, the City of Brevard saved over $50,000.
It is inspiring to see what a community can achieve through a shared vision. Thank you to the City of Brevard, Conserving Carolinas, Howard Granate, Pisgah Area SORBA, and all the donors and volunteers who made this possible.
