The N.C. Division of Forest Resources lists the following trails as temporarily closed in Dupont State Forest:
- Bridal Overlook Trail
- Hill Top Loop
- Cascade Trial
- Galax Trail
And these appear to be permanently closed:
- Grassy Dam Trail
- Laurel Trail
- Little Briery Trail
- URC Trail
- Vista Trail
The Galax trail closure is a bit concerning, since it’s the only direct way to get from the Hooker Falls area up to Triple & High Falls on a bike. There are some longer, roundabout ways, one of which involves a busy highway. And it’s also sad, since it was closed due to massive erosion taking place along the path. This trail was touted as one of Dupont’s first “sustainable” trail projects back when the waterfalls area was acquired, but it didn’t wear well – horse hooves just tore it to pieces. Hopefully, it can be either re-routed or armored to stand up to the traffic that it gets when open.
The others are mostly short, boring, overgrown, and/or dead-end trails that will have no impact to recreation. In fact, the one time I tried to hike the Grassy Dam trial, I lost it after about 100 yards and struck out through the woods instead.
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