The Pharr Family Preserve Trail is now open off of Mount Pleasant Road South near Midland. The trail is approximately 1.75 miles out. It is mostly wooded and runs along Rocky River.

Part of the Carolina Thread Trail

The Plemmons Family took a Memorial Day hike down the trail and had a nice stroll. The trail is mostly flat . It earthen and pretty well-packed. It would likely be softer and muddy during wet weather.

We completed the hike in about a hour and half at a leisurely pace. We saw no one on the way out but passed a mother and two children who had been playing in the river with inner tubes on the way out.

Bicycles are allowed but no ATVs or motorized vehicles. The trail is nicely suited for mountain bikes and is suitable for beginners. Advanced riders will find the trail very basic.

The Pharr trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail system that is being developed across the Charlotte Metro area. The aim is to link communities with a system of trails and greenways. The system is in the early stages and will take decades to complete.

Independent Tribune article on opening

Funding is a major issue for the Carolina Thead Trail and donations of land, right-of-ways and grants are greatly needed.

Many of the trails like the Pharr Trail and the Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail, just to the north, have had a lot of work done by volunteers. That includes construction of the Canoe & Kayak Launch into Rocky River. The 2013 Leadership Cabarrus Class from the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce built the launch. Duke Energy donated the materials.

Our family really enjoys the trails and greenways that are being developed. We hope you will give them a try in your community and show your support for expanding the trail system.