Hitting the trails with Dana Bradley

If you're looking to hit the trails or waterways in Rutherford County this summer, but don't know where to start, just ask Dana Bradley.

Bradley is the Trail Coordinator for Rutherford County. The position is a collaborative effort by the Town of Lake Lure, Rutherford County and the non-profit Rutherford Outdoor Coalition.

"As an AmeriCorps Project Conserve member who is serving as the trail coordinator for the county, my goal is to improve the local rivers and trails and increase recreational opportunities in the area," Bradley said. "There are so many beautiful trails and waterways in Rutherford County, and volunteers play a big role in maintaining them."

One of the biggest projects Bradley is involved with in her position is that of the Rails to Trails. Rails to Trails takes old railroad beds and turns them into walking trails. Eventually, the trails will connect to create one large walking trail.

"With the trails on Rails to Trails, you can see all different scenes," Bradley said. "You can start in a town or if you want a more wooded area you could start at the Bechtler site and walk."

New trails are on the horizon, Bradley continued, which will create a "wonderful atmosphere."

"These new trails will give more and more people access, and some of it will be literally in their backyards."

The recently completed work on the Isothermal Community College Trails was exciting for Bradley. These trails are good for families because they cover mostly level ground, and a kiosk at the parking area at the lake provides the mileages.

Bradley is also involved with the county's waterway, coordinating river sweeps and other volunteer opportunities.

"There are so many opportunities if you love to be along the water," she said. "You can be a trail boss, where you walk the river once a month and pick up trash and downed trees. Or, you could be a river steward and float along the river to clear trees and pick up trash.

"Trail bosses, river stewards and other volunteers play a huge role in keeping our trails clean and safe for everyone," she continued. "Some of the trails we are currently working on are the Buffalo Creek Park Trail, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and the Pool Creek area of Chimney Rock State Park."

Also part of Bradley's position is providing education. She has a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University, and is a self-proclaimed snake and spider expert. She is available to speak to groups, and often leads informational group hikes.

"I recruit people to get outdoors to see beauty, because there is so much here," Bradley said. "It's much better than some jobs I could be doing."

For more information on trails in Rutherford County, becoming a trail boss or river steward or other volunteer opportunities, contact Bradley at trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org or by phone at 828-625-9983 ext. 505. Information about local outdoor activities can be found on the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition's weekly outdoor schedule online at rutherfordoutdoor.org or the ROC Facebook page.