Last Updated on July 30, 2025 2:12 pm
Boone, NC – Recently, there was a groundbreaking for the much-anticipated Boone Gorge Park project on the Middle Fork Greenway (MFG), attended by representatives from several of the businesses, individuals, and organizations that are making the park possible. Individual gifts, state grants, Watauga Tourism Development Authority, and the annual “Round Up for the Greenway” program have led to two contiguous miles of Greenway that are currently open to the public.
“Over the last couple of years, many partners and supporters in the community have helped to get the project ready for construction,” says Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director. “We’ve been uncovering the incredible history and stories of this land and will be sharing the discoveries through interpretive signage throughout the park. This land has been privately owned for a long time, so many folks haven’t seen this section of the beautiful river gorge that is so close to town.”
Since 2018, customers have been “rounding up” their bills for the MFG at many businesses across the High Country, and because of this generosity, another mile of the MFG is underway. Engineering and permitting for Boone Gorge Park are complete, and construction will begin in mid-August and take around 18 months to complete. This park, the closest to Boone, will include parking, restrooms, a timber frame pavilion, approximately one mile of trail, a boardwalk, wetlands, and river access, all within a natural setting. By working with landowners, the Watauga TDA, and using state grants, Blue Ridge Conservancy was able to purchase the 33-acre tract for the MFG in 2022.
“Boone Gorge Park on the Middle Fork Greenway will be more than just a place to walk or ride – it's an investment in our community’s health, economy, and quality of life. It connects neighbors, supports local businesses, and gives families a safe, beautiful space to enjoy the outdoors together,” said Braxton Eggers, Chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners.
In 2018, Brad Moretz of Appalachian Ski Mtn had the idea to have businesses ask their customers to “Round Up for the Greenway,” and since then, over $1 million has been raised through this program. Although the Round Up is officially in July, many businesses support the project year-round, such as Appalachian Ski Mtn’s yearly Round Up during ski season. This money, along with individual donors and Watauga TDA, has leveraged funds to build each segment of the MFG.
There is still time to join the cause! These businesses are participating in the 2025 Round Up for the Greenway, and you can as well. Every donation will be doubled to match state grants and get Greenway and parks built.
Anna Banana's Fine Consignment
Appalachian Ski Mtn
Arete Engineers
Blowing Rock Brewing
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
Boone Bike and Touring
Booneshine Brewing Co
Cabin Fever
Carolina West Wireless
Charleston Forge
FireLight Book & Candle
Footsloggers Blowing Rock
Footsloggers Boone
Fuschia Moss Floral Design
Go Postal
Graystone Lodge
Hawksnest Adventures
High Country Regional Visitor Center
High Gravity Adventures
Highland Hills Motel
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
Lost Province Brewing Co.
Mast General Store
Mid Life Trip (The Band)
Mystery Hill
Optimal Performance Physical Therapy
Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants
Sleep Inn
Sofield Property Group
Solid Rock Engineering
Speckled Trout Outfitters
Speckled Trout Restaurant
Spice and Tea Exchange
Stickboy Kitchen
Stickboy Bread Company
US Buildings
ZAP Endurance
The MFG will one day connect Blowing Rock to Boone with a hiking, walking, bicycling trail, with parks scattered along the 6-mile corridor. The MFG is a project of Blue Ridge Conservancy in partnership with Watauga County and the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.
Front, L-R: Braxton Eggers- Watauga County Commission Chair, Sarah Rupp- Appalachian State Associate General Counsel, Melody Pineda- Appalachian State Director of Real Estate, Deron Geouque- Watauga County Manager, Sarah Kilby- Interface Environmental Consulting, Catharine Milner- Interface Environmental Consulting, Carrie Caviness- Interface Environmental Consulting, Joe Furman- Boone Area Chamber/EDC, John Fesperman- MBI Builders
Middle, L-R: Sid Greene- Hardin Creek Timber Frame and Millwork, Zika Rea- Middle Fork Greenway Committee Chair, Kelly Coffey- High Country Council of Governments, Wendy Patoprsty- Middle Fork Greenway Director, Cait Kinnamon- Solid Rock Engineering, Jeff Holchin- Solid Rock EngineeringBack, L-R: Patrick Warren- Warren Consulting & Design, Matt Makdad- New River Light & Power, Kadie Dean- Blue Ridge Conservancy Board Chair, Jon Wilson- Landscape Architect, Wright Tilley- Boone TDA, Walter Wilkinson- Middle Fork Greenway supporter, Robby Deans- NCDEQ
