Northwest NC Mountain Bike Alliance Participates in Annual Trail Workday

Volunteers from the Northwest NC Mountain Bike Alliance cleaned out grade dips and cut back hanging limbs on the South and West Wimba Trails at Lake James State Park for an annual trail workday on February 24, 2024.

Dedicated volunteers and a network of partnership organizations are vital to keeping Lake James State Park one of the premier recreation areas in southern Appalachia.

And that includes helping manage and maintain our many hiking and mountain biking trails.

On February 24, 2024, 15 volunteers from the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance, an organization promoting land access, trail preservation, and new trail development on federal, state, and local lands, participated in an annual trail workday.

Volunteers from the Northwest NC Mountain Bike Alliance grade out dips on the South and West Wimba Trails at Lake James State Park on February 24, 2024.

Northwest NC MTB Alliance is an extension of SORBA, the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeastern United States. This local chapter focuses on the foothills and mountains of Boone, Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Morganton, and Wilkesboro.

With guidance from Lake James Maintenance/Construction Technician Andrew Carswell, the group cleaned out grade dips and cut back hanging limbs on the South Wimba Trail in Zones 10-12 and 17-19 of the West Wimba Trail. 

Afterward, volunteers joined together for a group mountain bike ride, enjoying some of the more than 20 miles of scenic mountain biking trails available at Lake James State Park.

The South Wimba Trail offers “a few good views of the lake through the trees and a huge payoff with excellent clear views on the bridge of Lake James, South Mountains to the south, and Shortoff Mountain to the north,” writes Brandon Thrower, another recent park visitor.

Thanks to all for donating their time and strength! You’re a big part of stewarding “Nature’s Playground.”