The Community’s Project

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Connecting people to the outdoors, responsibly

Pisgah Area SORBA (PAS) is proud to launch The Community’s Project, a special initiative made possible through the support of Ford Bronco Wild Fund and the National Forest Foundation. This September, we’re breaking ground on two important trails in Bent Creek: Ingles Field Gap and Wolf Branch.

Unlike previous Pisgah Area SORBA projects where a single contractor is hired to complete the work, this effort will be powered by PAS staff, volunteers, non profit partners, and guest contractors working side by side. It’s about building trails in a way that brings our community together, shares skills, and ensures lasting stewardship for Pisgah National Forest.

What We're Doing

Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent community survey regarding proposed trail repairs and improvements on Ingles Field Gap and Wolf Branch in Bent Creek! The feedback received shows the love and appreciation our community has for these trails and Pisgah. Your feedback along with months of trail walks, trail feature inventory and discussions with local land managers, has helped determine the goal to preserve the technical character of both trails while working to make improvements on them and addressing key maintenance issues. Our work will focus on key sections of both trails to address erosion, improve flow, and increase user safety.

Ingles Field Gap

Tread Work: We'll be doing essential tread work along IFG. This includes clearing drains, opening up sightlines, and re-shaping the trail to better accommodate two-way traffic.
Complete Rework: The bottom 150 yards of IFG will get a total overhaul. This section will receive new drains, full-corridor armoring to prevent erosion, and updated flow to ensure it can handle two-way traffic sustainably for years to come.

Wolf Branch

Erosion Control: We'll be performing targeted tread work above the bridges to fix existing erosion and water-related issues.
New Bridges: Get ready for three new, elevated bridge/boardwalks! These will be built higher above the water crossings, providing a more durable and reliable path.

Why This Matters

This project is about more than just fixing trails. It is The Community's Project. By tackling these problem areas together, we're building a more sustainable and resilient trail system. The changes will help protect our natural resources from erosion while providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone who uses these trails.

We can't wait for you to see the improvements firsthand! Stay tuned for updates and information on how you can get involved.

WELCOME OUR GUEST CONTRACTORS!

We're excited to welcome two talented guest contractors to support this important effort with The Community's Project. Hayden Gary and the team at Pisgah Trail Co. will be on-site starting major work on Ingles Field Gap with large stump removal happening next week. Craig Brickser and the team at Community Trail Design will be focusing on building crucial new bridges on Wolf Branch. We want to get everyone back out there as soon as possible and we will be providing weekly progress updates right here on our social media and on the PAS website. Please respect the closure signs and do not enter the work areas. Your cooperation keeps our crews safe and you safe. We look forward to opening the trails back up as quickly as possible. A huge thanks to Ford Bronco Wild Fund for helping to make

Craig Brickser

Hayden Gary

AND IT BEGINS!

Trail closures are in effect on sections of the Ingles Field Gap and Wolf Branch Trails.

Here's the breakdown:

Ingles Field Gap: Closed from the Ingles Field Connector down to Ledford Branch Road (Lower Ingles).

Wolf Branch: Closed from the Ledford Trail intersection down to Deer Lake Road (Lower Wolf Branch).

Pivoting your route? Here are your alternatives:

For Upper Ingles Field Gap riders: Take the Ingles Field Gap Connector → Boyd Branch Rd → Ledford Branch Rd → Upper Wolf Branch → Ledford Trail → Ledford Branch Rd.

For Wolf Branch access: Use Rice Pinnacle Rd → Ledford Branch Rd → Upper Wolf Branch Trail → Ledford Branch Trail.

Please respect the closures for your safety and the safety of our crews. If you see our trail crews and volunteers out there, give them a wave and say hello!