A Hendersonville, North Carolina-based conservation group is raising funds to preserve a 192-acre property in Polk County, North Carolina, adjacent to the future Saluda Grade trail.
Conserving Carolina is asking supporters and outdoor enthusiasts to help raise about $100,000 toward the total cost of $980,000 for the Cedar Cliffs Preserve straddling U.S. 176 between Tryon and Saluda.
The planned Saluda Grade trail begins in Inman in South Carolina, then runs north and west into North Carolina through Tryon and Saluda. That trail effort along an abandoned Norfolk Southern rail line has been spearheaded by Conserving Carolina, Upstate Forever and PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.
The proposed preserve is in the North Pacolet River Gorge and would connect Conserving Carolina’s Melrose Falls preserve with Norman Wilder Forest. The conservation group has until Feb. 1 to secure the property. It has identified funding sources for about 90% of the purchase price.
For more information or to contribute, visit conservingcarolina.org/cedar-cliffs or contact Sierra Hoisington, Conserving Carolina’s planned giving officer, at sierra@conservingcarolina.org.
