Mission
What We’re Up To…
The mission of the non-profit Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA) is to enrich the quality of life in the region by building and promoting a network of multiuse trails.
Our vision- while observing and promoting leave no trace principles, these hiking, biking, running, paddling, and equestrian trails will promote a healthy lifestyle, provide educational and economic opportunities, preserve our history, and allow for organized events.
Elkin is located in the heart of the beautiful Yadkin wine growing region and is in a unique location to be a hub for local trails. We are in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, less than half an hour from Stone Mountain State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are at the confluence of the Overmountain Victory Trail, the Yadkin River Trail Blueway, and the beginnings of our big project, the E&A Rail-Trail, which will ultimately be the Mountains-to-Sea Trail between Stone Mountain State Park and Elkin/Jonesville and Pilot Mountain State Park. We love the trails in Elkin, which we hope will become known as a “Trail Town.”
EVTA is very proud to have been awarded the “Golden Spike” award by the old NC Rail-Trails for outstanding activities on our trails in 2014.
Events and Fundraisers
- Insane Terrain foot race: annual 5k trail race; proceeds benefit EVTA
- Trails Boogie: annual trails fundraiser featuring music, food, cold beverages and fun! Admission is free and donations accepted.
- Duck and Turtle Regatta: floating ducks and turtles race during the Pumpkin Festival. Sponsored by the Yadkin Valley Rotary, Boy Scouts, and businesses.
- Vineyard Stomps: 5k races at different vineyards.
- Tour de Vino: 30/50/71/100 mile bike road rally during the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival.
- Birding walks and ebird on the E&A Rail-Trail and Overmountain Victory Trail: 122 different bird species have been identified on the trail
- Native Wildflower Garden and Trail: .4 mile loop off of the E&A Rail-Trail featuring native plant species and wildlife in 1.33 acre meadow with multiple tree identification signs along the E&A Rail Trail (MST) along the way. This garden was enabled by a Jandy Ammons grant.
- Community Walk In: 25 mile hike and camping from Stone Mountain to Elkin including many miles of off road trail and other walk on country roads. See hikes for off road sections.
- Sections of trail completed: Includes two miles coming out of Stone Mountain, three miles over Wells Knob, two miles at Grassy Creek and soon an additional section between Brookfall Dairy and Carter Mill Road, a longer section in the Elkin Park and plans for connecting Crater Park at the Yadkin River to the Elkin Municipal Park within a year.
- Historic walks: Plaques with QR codes featuring historic sites along the E&A Rail-Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Narration by Elkin High School Students.
- Tour de Yadkin, “A Night in the Village” of Elkin: annual event featuring paddling, camping, and music.
Eagle Scout Projects
- Benches on trail by Douglas Spencer
- Viewing deck, pump house, rest station, shrubbery, and walks by Jarrett Peterson
- Pump house, rest station, well capping by Dillon Blankly
- 40’ bridge at Grassy Creek by Harrison Hall
- Kayak and canoe rack at Crater Park by Dameon Spicer
Elkin City Schools Projects
- 40’ steps, a senior high school project of Jarrett Peterson
- Stonework beside steps, and maintenance by a middle school classes of Emily Morrison and Bronson Erikson with support from Joe Snow Landscaping
Individual Donations on E & A Rail Trail
- Blueberry bushes by Charles and Betty Fletcher
- Benches by Louise Cockerham and Carol McDowell
- E&A trail sign by Tri-County Signs
- Donor recognition plaques by Tri-County Signs
Bridges
- 140’ bridge
- Two 25’ bridges
- 40’ boardwalk for the nature trail
- 40’ bridge at Grassy Creek
- 178’ bridge soon to be constructed
Mountain Bike Loop: Three miles of a 6 ½ mile loop has been completed as of October, 2016.
Vineyard Loop: The loop will eventually connect the following wineries: Brushy Mountain, Grassy Creek, Elkin Creek, Adagio, Jones von Drehle, and McRitchie
EVTA welcomes your suggestion and invites you to join us in building the trails and making them more user friendly and exciting.
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