Canton’s New Mountain Bike Park
The park hosts numerous annual events, exciting mountain bike riding, and invigorating hikes throughout the year. For a glimpse of the thrilling experiences they offer, be sure to visit their website. It’s your gateway to endless fun and memorable times!
Our Milltown Apartments and Carriage House Cottage are Only About a 1/2 Mile from Chestnut Mountain Nature Park. All of our Cabins and Creekside Cottages are only about 20 minutes from the Park
Check out Chestnut Mountain Nature Park
Exploring the Significance of Chestnut Mountain Nature Park
In a bold and ambitious venture, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy acquired the sprawling 450-acre Chestnut Mountain property in 2020, driven by a twofold mission: the perpetual safeguarding of natural habitats and water resources, coupled with the creation of a community-oriented haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Following this endeavor, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy successfully transferred the stewardship of this property to the Town of Canton in 2022.
Situated within a pivotal wildlife corridor, this expansive property encompasses a rich tapestry of ecological communities, meandering streams that gracefully contribute to Hominy Creek, and the commanding apex of Chestnut Mountain.
Collaborating closely with the Town of Canton and a dedicated consortium of partners and supporters, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy nurtured this visionary endeavor into reality. The fruition is a nature park wherein the sanctity of habitat and water resources is eternally enshrined through conservation easements, while also offering accessible spaces for individuals to savor, explore, and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
A noteworthy facet of this property is its history – a portion of the land was initially earmarked for a motorsports speedway. Although this proposal never materialized, the grading undertaken for this purpose fashioned an environment perfectly suited for the establishment of mountain biking and hiking trails. The existing modifications on the land made it an enticing canvas for the potential realization of a biking park. Moreover, the absence of concerns about encroaching upon delicate or rare plant and animal habitats heightened its appeal.
Hanni Muerdter, the Conservation Director, underscores the dynamic nature of this property, citing its mosaic of diverse habitat types that prove conducive to flourishing wildlife. The elevation journey from 2,360 feet at Hwy 19/23 to the pinnacle of Chestnut Mountain at 3,400 feet encompasses an array of experiences. Forested ridges and enclaves, strategically positioned within a vital wildlife corridor, provide idyllic sanctuaries for a multitude of plant and animal species. From pockets of serene mature hardwood forests adorned with laurel and rhododendron to forested slopes facing diverse orientations, as well as an open field and an early successional edge that beckons a variety of avian residents – the land is teeming with remarkable biodiversity and wildlife activity.
Notably, the property occupies a crucial role within a significant wildlife corridor, a designation granted by The Wildlands Network for its paramount importance in facilitating animal movement and preserving habitats. This protective mantle cast upon Chestnut Mountain Nature Park serves as a haven for an array of creatures – from majestic bears and graceful deer to diminutive mammals, an array of birds, reptiles, and amphibians, all thriving harmoniously within this cherished ecosystem.
