About the Blue Connector
The Blue Ridge Connector is a proposed 48 mile trekking route connecting the communities of Clayton, Georgia; Highlands, North Carolina; and Cashiers, North Carolina. The route is designed to be hiked in five stages of eight to twelve miles each while carrying only a day pack and without private vehicle support.
Because the distances between communities are too long for most people to hike comfortably in a single day, special “Hiker Inns” are proposed at Wilson Gap, the crossing of Hale Ridge Road, and in Whiteside Cove. It is proposed that these small inns will only be accessible by an ADA compliant footpath, not by private car. The inns will provide private rooms for up to 20 persons and a public space for family style supper and breakfast.
To minimize traffic and parking issues it is proposed that a shuttle will travel the route each morning beginning in Clayton and stopping at each lodging spot along the route. The shuttle will transport luggage between the lodging spots as well as act as a “sag wagon” for those needing a break from hiking due to fatigue, injury, or inclement weather. Upon reaching Cashiers the shuttle will return to Clayton, bringing those finished with the trek back to their vehicles.
The proposed route initially includes about 7.5 miles of new trail and sidewalk as well as completion of delayed maintenance on about 20 miles of existing trail. Over time, funds generated by the trekking system will be used to maintain and improve the trail system as well as provide funding for greenways in the connected communities and protection and preservation of our local forests.
Completion of the Blue Ridge Connector depends upon approval by the USFS and generation of adequate funding. Both processes are expected to be lengthy and challenging. Current estimates for new trail and sidewalk as well as completing delayed maintenance on existing trails is $2.5 million. Estimates for the three Hiker Inns has not been developed at this time. It is likely that progress will occur in stages as funding and permits become available.
The Blue Ridge Connector is a project of Southern Blue Ridge Hikers, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit. Southern Blue Ridge Hikers is dedicate to environmentally responsible recreation in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Please download the flyer below to see the proposed route.