The Charlotte region is one step closer to its first state trail. The state House passed House Bill 23 earlier this week, which includes the official designation of the South Fork Passage State Trail.

As the region around it develops, the South Fork River Basin faces increasing erosion and pollution. Meanwhile, neighbors along the river have suffered flooding and the impacts of runoff upstream.

NC South Fork Passage brings 60 miles of hiking, paddling, and cycling trails through Gaston, Catawba, and Lincoln counties.