Catawba Lands Conservancy

The Carolina Thread Trail is an initiative to develop a regional network of greenways, trails and blueways (river paddling trails) that covers 1,600 miles and reaches 15 counties in both North and South Carolina, centered on the Greater Charlotte metropolitan area. It is a unique collaboration that will connect communities and conserved land via a network of trails developed through the implementation of locally adopted master plans that all connect to create a single network. The development of the network is predicated on cultivating partnerships with a variety of entities such as local governments, other non-profits and foundations, and private landowners.This long-term project will permanently protect the region's history, natural beauty, and social diversity, while conserving local lands and fostering free and equitable accessibility for residents and visitors. This includes enhancing bicycle and pedestrian transportation as a viable and convenient choice. The Thread Trail will connect more than 2.5 million citizens in North and South Carolina. It will connect points of regional and local significance. It provides multiple public benefits including economic development, conservation of land, enhancement of water quality, cleaner air, non-motorized transportation, and healthy recreation activities. At the end of 2024, there were 1,630 planned trail miles, of which approximately 435 trail miles and 200 designated blueway miles are complete.Previously, Carolina Thread Trail was a separate corporation that was a supporting organization of Foundation for the Carolinas. As of December 31, 2022, Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail merged. The merger eliminated the separate corporate entity for Carolina Thread Trail but otherwise did not affect its goals, objectives, personnel or plans.