On Saturday morning, Polk County Parks & Rec. cut the ribbon on the Little White Oak Mountain mountain bike trail. (Photo by Storme Smith)

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MILL SPRING—Excitement filled the air on Saturday, June 28, as the Little White Oak Mountain trail system at the Polk County Recreation Complex celebrated the grand opening of its first mountain bike trail. The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to noon, drew large crowds of mountain biking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and local residents eager to experience the natural beauty of the area.

The first mountain bike trail in Polk County offers a thrilling opportunity for cyclists and hikers alike. Participants enjoyed guided tours of the newly constructed trails, which wind through the picturesque landscapes of Little White Oak Mountain. The celebration featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, various activities, and local organizations sharing their initiatives and programs. Attendees were treated to offerings from on-site food trucks, with a raffle providing chances to win bike-themed prizes.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina, shared insights about the trail’s journey. 

“This project began several years ago, around 2016 or 2017,” Roe began, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to the development of the trail system. He praised the vision of Jerry Stensland, who played a key role in the parks and recreation planning stages, and acknowledged the importance of community engagement in making the trail a reality.

Roe noted the high quality of the trails and emphasized their sustainable design. 

“We’ve received amazing feedback about the trails’ condition, and we’re excited for what lies ahead,” he said, adding that expansion plans are already in place for the future.

Stensland expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the trail’s opening possible. 

“I just want to acknowledge everybody who had a role in this for what, seven or eight years of getting this vision together,” said Stensland. 

He praised the Parks & Rec Department and Mickey Edwards, trail designer Craig Brickser, and Trail Dynamics, led by Ed Sutton, the company that built the trails. He then recognized the hard work of the many volunteers, including Neal Waldrop and Greg Junge. 

“I think this is an amazing day for Polk County, and really beyond Polk County, because this is the closest trail system that is accessible for all levels in this area,” Stensland said.

The event also highlighted the broader impact of the project, which encompasses over a thousand acres of conservation land. This includes approximately 700 acres designated for the Green River Game Lands and over 300 acres allocated for the trail system, alongside residential developments that support local communities.

As guests explored the new trails, they were reminded that this accessible mountain biking experience is unique in the area, catering to riders and hikers of all levels. 

“This system allows people to immerse themselves in a mountain experience without needing to be seasoned experts,” Stensland adds.

For more information and updates, follow Polk County Parks & Recreation on social media. The Polk County Recreation Complex is located at 235 Wolverine Trail.