Developments to Cranberry Creek Preserve enriching local ecosystem
In the hills of eastern Ashe County near Glendale Springs, CTNC’s Cranberry Creek Preserve is a hidden gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spanning 200 acres and hugging the Parkway for nearly a mile and a half, from milepost 249.5 to 251, this protected property has recently undergone an exciting transformation that will benefit downstream residents, hikers, wildlife, and the environment.
CTNC’s Cranberry Creek Preserve previously held a failing earthen dam that blocked an unnamed tributary of Cranberry Creek. Now that it’s removed, the stream flows freely for the first time in nearly 75 years, restoring natural hydrology to the area. This ecological enhancement to the flowing channel of the stream will support brook trout and many other native species.
This effort is a collaboration among several conservation partners, including MountainTrue, American Rivers, KCI Engineering, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the National Park Service, all working alongside CTNC to restore native brook trout habitat and the natural landscape.
Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, are the only native species of trout in North Carolina. Found primarily in the high elevations of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, these fish prefer pristine, cold streams with rocky bottoms and dense overhanging vegetation. Often referred to as “speckled trout” by locals, brook trout are known for their vibrant coloring and delicate size. Learn more about brook trout.
Brook trout caught by a fisheries biologist directly below the dam prior to its removal. Soon, these fish will be able to migrate further upstream and enjoy cooler, cleaner water.
CTNC is also partnering with Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to prepare Cranberry Creek Preserve to host a re-route of a key section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail . Currently, this popular hiking route crosses the Parkway motor road twice along this stretch, hugging the edge of the road in some places. The planned re-route will eliminate the need for those road crossings and take hikers off the shoulder and into the peaceful woodlands of Cranberry Creek Preserve—offering a safer and more immersive experience in nature.
CTNC plans to transfer ownership of the preserve to the National Park Service, ensuring its permanent protection as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This transition not only safeguards the land for generations to come but also opens it to enhanced recreational use and ecological restoration.