Glen Burney trail closed due to flood damage

From the Watauga Democrat: 

The Glen Burney Trail, a 2.2-mile trail from Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park down New Years Creek is closed to the public indefinitely after inspections revealed extensive damage from Oct. 23 flooding.

According to Blowing Rock Town Manager Ed Evans, it is unknown when the trail will reopen.

Evans explained that several parts of the trail are undercut and dangerous to hikers, as well as the bridge going over New Years Creek being destroyed, cutting off access to the falls.

“There are parts where you could step and the trail might give way,” Evans explained.

According to Evans, trail experts have looked at the damage, but have yet to make any kind of official determination on how to repair the damages. It could be weeks or months before any kind of determination on how to proceed is made.

Despite the trail being closed, Evans says that people are still using the trail and warns would-be hikers to use some of the other local trails.

The Glen Burney Trail is a moderately strenuous trail that runs down over 600 feet in elevation to The Cascades, Glen Burney Falls and Glen Marie Falls, with viewing areas for each.

Article source: http://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/glen-burney-trail-closed-indefinitely/article_c47ec92f-b324-5763-90ba-d70623484f6d.html