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The study area for the Blueway will encompass a 55-mile stretch along the Henry and Jacob Fork Rivers in Burke and Catawba counties, extending from the Henry River Mill Village area through Catawba County to South Mountains State Park.

A Blueway trail is a designated water-based route along a river designed for non-motorized recreational activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and occasionally swimming. Blueways are the aquatic equivalent of greenways or hiking trails, providing safe, accessible and often scenic pathways for people to explore waterways.

Duncan Cavanaugh, the council of government’s manager for the Center for Research and Data Analytics, said, “We’re looking forward to beginning this study, which will help us better understand how our rivers can serve as safe, accessible corridors for kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing and nature-based tourism.�

The resulting plan will lead to the potential creation of a Blueway trail that will create links to everyday destinations, while also enhancing both counties’ reputations as outstanding outdoor recreation destinations and boosting tourism revenue.

Randy Burns, Western Piedmont Council of Governments vice chair and Burke County commissioner, said: “Blueways like this one not only enrich the recreational landscape but also position our counties as forward-thinking destinations for visitors and residents.�

“Investing in Blueway infrastructure is an investment in regional vitality, tourism, and outdoor accessibility for all, and connects our communities through recreation and economic opportunity,� said Board Delegate and Catawba County Commissioner Cole Setzer.