Expanded Lake Whelchel trail boosts outdoor recreation space
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate trail was expanded on Thursday, providing outdoor enjoyers more available space for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
The Lake Whelchel trail announced its expansion by 2.5 miles on Thursday and said that the county is one step closer to their long-term goal of having of having a 35-mile, multiuse trail from the City of Chesnee to Kings Mountain National Military Park.
The Lake Whelchel trail is a part of two regional trail networks: the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the Carolina Thread Trail.
The trail is now 10 miles and has added a new trailhead with 42 parking spaces, located at Pleasant School Road.
The project was funded by a $98,000 Recreational Trails Program grant from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism that was received in 2023. Cherokee County matched the funds, along with personnel and equipment to help complete the project.
Construction for the project began in September 2024.
'This trail is more than just a path through the woods it`s a connection to our community, to our shared history, and to the natural beauty that makes Cherokee County such a special place,' Cherokee County Administrator, Merv Bishop, said. 'Partnerships like this with the Gaffney Board of Public Works, the Overmountain Victory Trail, the Carolina Thread Trail, and all the volunteers and organizations who pitched in show what`s possible when we work together for a common cause.'
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