The Bean Shoals Access point has been giving locals, and tourists access to the Yadkin River in Pilot Mountain State Park for nearly 50 years. | Pixabay
The Bean Shoals Access point has been giving locals, and tourists access to the Yadkin River in Pilot Mountain State Park for nearly 50 years. | Pixabay
Surry County opposed the Pilot Mountain State Park superintendent's request to close the Bean Shoals Access of the park to vehicular traffic.
The county board of commissioners made the point clear in an Aug. 17 resolution opposing the denial of access.
The superintendent requested the closing to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources without input from the Surry County Board of Commissioners, local park users or tourism officials, stated the resolution commissioners adopted.
The superintendent based the request, in part, on some vehicles have difficulties crossing streams along the access road, the resolution stated, which can harm the natural resources.
In opposition to the superintendent's decision, the resolution points to the harm the move would likely have on visitors and residents.
"If closed, visitors would be expected to hike up to 1.5 to 3.4 miles to access the Yadkin River, campsites, picnic areas and the historic bean Shoals Canal over rough, hill terrain," the resolution stated. "This change would then especially create a hardship for any typical and health hiker, especially for children, elderly and disabled visitors, all but ensuring far fewer users ... ."
Park management and access have a significant impact on the local economy. The Bean Shoals Access provides vehicular access to the Yadkin River and has for nearly 50 years. Over the years, the Bean Shoals Access has helped to relieve crowds from the mountain section of the park, the resolution states.
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