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North Carolina is the Great Trails State

Trails are invaluable connections to nature, culture, history and community, and deserving of stewardship. To support NC’s trail boom, Outdoor NC has launched the Trail Town Stewardship Designation Program and Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide, celebrating the stewardship of our outdoor spaces and downtown places throughout the state.

The Trail Town Stewardship Designation Program equips NC tourism partners with knowledge and tools to foster responsible travel, accessible outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism. The result is to help our partners preserve nature, contribute to resident well-being, and improve visitor experience for all.

Program Objectives

  • Raise awareness on practical destination stewardship concepts and principles.

  • Provide tools that help local stakeholders activate tangible and turnkey destination stewardship activities.

  • Help participants develop communications that celebrate stewardship.
     

Why You Should Join

The Trail Town Stewardship Designation Program helps destinations leverage their proximity to popular trails to attract visitors, stimulate local businesses and create jobs. This program not only boosts the economy but also preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The Trail Town Program and Official NC Trail Town Guide goes beyond recognizing trails and boosting visitor spending; it champions destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future generations. By recognizing a community’s investment in stewardship, the Trail Town Stewardship Designation Program and Official NC Trail Town Guide aligns with a growing demand for sustainable and regenerative travel experiences, making destinations attractive to mindful adventurers.

Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) will gain a deeper understanding of stewardship principles, have access to a suite of turnkey tools to advance stewardship activities, and be promoted through numerous platforms including the Outdoor NC digital and social platforms and the specialized guide.

To learn more, contact Amanda Baker, Partner Marketing Manager.