The Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), one of twelve State Trails in North Carolina, was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 2019. Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC), the lead organization for the construction of the trail, is pleased to announce Jordan Sellers as the coordinator for the project. The planned corridor for the trail is approximately 40 miles long, connecting Howard Knob Park in Boone to Mount Jefferson in Ashe County. The Northern Peaks are often referred to as the Amphibolite Mountains and include Howard Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Three Top Mountain, The Peak, Paddy Mountain and Mount Jefferson.

Sellers, a graduate of Colorado State University Global, comes to BRC after working as a real estate agent in the High Country, and brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm about the local area to the trail project. 

“I couldn't be more excited to be working on the NPST. Years ago, when I first heard about the trail, I thought it was going to be an awesome asset to our community, so to be a part of moving it forward with BRC is a dream come true,” says Sellers.

“Blue Ridge Conservancy is fortunate to have Jordan join our staff as our NPST Coordinator,” says BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady. “His singular focus on the trail and concern for building it in an environmentally responsible way will greatly advance the project. Jordan's career in real estate will also be a specific asset as we work to connect the communities of Boone and West Jefferson via a hiking trail through the Amphibolite Mountains."

Several parts of the trail are currently in the planning stages, including a significant portion of Elk Knob State Park. Plans are in place for a loop portion of trail in the backcountry camping area of the park, and a North Carolina Natural Heritage Program inventory along several of the possible trail routes was recently completed. “Our number one priority is the environmental impact of the trail. We are working diligently to do things the right way and to build a trail that's consistent with BRC's mission of protecting the places we love,” says Sellers, noting that the survey data will be used to select a route that does not disrupt sensitive natural areas. 

Unlike state parks, which are operated and managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, state trails are composed of multiple connected sections and depend on regional partnerships. Each section of the trail is sponsored by a federal, state or local government agency, nonprofit organization or private landowner. Sellers considers this one of the many positives of the project, and will lead to its success: “This is an opportunity to work with community members, local governments and various other stakeholders in creating what will be one of the most unique and beautiful trails in the region.” 

The NPST is a partnership between Blue Ridge Conservancy, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, Ashe County, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority, and the Town of Boone.