Fairview -- April 14, 2026: For years, residents in southeastern Buncombe County have looked toward the massive trail systems in Pisgah or DuPont with a bit of envy. Now, a major collaborative effort is bringing 11 miles of high-quality mountain bike and hiking trails directly to the Fairview community.
The Fairview Community Forest project is transforming 100 acres on Woodson Road into a regional outdoor hub, blending conservation with vocational education.
Project Overview and Phase One
On March 20, 2026, the community celebrated the official opening of the first three miles of "bike-optimized" singletrack. These trails were among the final projects designed by the late Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics.
Sutton’s Way (1.8 miles): A red-blazed tribute to Ed Sutton, offering a rhythmic experience for riders.
Cove Forest Loop (1.2 miles): A blue-blazed section designed for smooth, flowy movement through the mountain laurel.
Accessibility: The loops are wide enough for adaptive cycles and welcoming for beginners, while still offering berms for experienced riders.
Multi-Use: All current trails are open to both mountain bikers and hikers.
Expansion and Funding
The project is moving into high gear for its final phases thanks to a $687,500 grant from the Buncombe County Open Space Bond.
Final Goal: The project will eventually total 11 miles of trails.
Remaining Work: Construction on the final 8 miles is slated to begin this summer.
Completion Date: The full system is expected to be finished by 2027.
Infrastructure: Funding covers the construction of permanent bathroom facilities at the trailhead.
The WORX Project: A "Living Classroom"
A partnership between Conserving Carolina, Camp Grier, and the WORX Project makes this site a unique vocational resource for local youth.
Student Involvement: Local middle and high school students participate in the building and maintenance of the forest.
Skills Training: The site serves as a hands-on classroom for sustainable forestry, professional trail construction, and land management.
Community Impact: The model tethers youth development directly to local outdoor infrastructure.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Woodson Road, Fairview (approximately 20 minutes from downtown Asheville).
Parking: A designated gravel lot is located on the right side of the road.
Private Property: The gate leading to the WORX Project campus and the lake remains private; public access is limited to the blazed trails.
Local News: For ongoing updates on outdoor recreation and community growth, continue to follow wnctimes.