Fairview Community Forest opened in March 2026 with the first three miles of a planned 11-mile trail system now open for hiking and biking. The first phase of trails is now open for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The trails are suitable for beginner and intermediate mountain biking. 

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Activities: Hiking, Running, Walking Dogs on Leash, Mountain Biking

Hiking and mountain biking photos by Kiko Salazar. Banner photo is by Derek Diluzio.

How to Get to Fairview Community Forest

The forest is located on Woodson Road in Fairview. There is not a street number, but if you search for “Fairview Community Forest” in Google Maps, you can find directions. You can also see the location in the map below.

As you take the gravel road to the forest, look for a small gravel parking area to your right.

Fairview Community Forest Trail Map

There are two loops currently open in the first phase of trails:

  • Sutton’s Way (red blazes) is 1.8 miles, including the out-and-back on the access trail.
  • Cove Forest Loop (blue blazes) is 1.2 miles.

Fairview Community Forest Rules

  • Open dawn to dusk. 
  • Dogs must be on leash. 
  • Don’t leave dog poop! Bag pet waste and carry it out with you. 
  • Don’t litter. 
  • Stay on trails and respect private property. 
  • Do not enter the WORX Project campus. 
  • No swimming in the lake. 
  • No hunting. 
  • No horses. 
  • No motorcycles. 
  • Bikes yield to hikers.  
  • Be nice and say hi to other folks on the trail!  
By Kiko Salazar.

The Story Behind Fairview Community Forest

The land that is now Fairview Community Forest was once a Presbyterian summer camp. Later, it was home to a state program, Camp Woodson, which helped young people in the juvenile corrections system get a new start. However, that program ended in 2011, leaving the future of this place uncertain.  

Today, the land has found a new life—once again supporting kids and the community.

Finding a salamander at WORX Project. By Kiko Salazar.

A Partnership for Trails and Education

In 2025, Conserving Carolina purchased the land in two phases. First, we bought 226 acres for the Fairview Community Forest. Then, we purchased an additional 27.5 acres at the center of the former camp to serve as the campus of The WORX Project. The WORX Project is a nonprofit that provides free outdoor education for public school students and other youth programs, with a focus on expanding career opportunities. 

This 250+ acre conservation project was made possible through a unique partnership with Camp Grier, the nonprofit that runs the WORX Project. Camp Grier will be the owner of the WORX Project campus. Camp Grier also leases the community forest land from Conserving Carolina and manages the forest for public access.

Through this unique partnership: 

  • Students have a living classroom where they can explore and learn. Learn more. 
  • Fairview neighbors can enjoy a growing trail network.   
  • Over 250 acres with valuable woods, water, and wildlife habitat are protected forever. 
Gardening at the WORX Project. By Derek DiLuzio.

Ecological Benefits

Fairview Community Forest provides important benefits for clean water and wildlife habitat. It’s located in a basin that encompasses an entire sub-watershed, with ecologically rich seeps and 1.3 miles of headwater streams. The forest also provides vital wildlife habitat, including important bat habitat.  

Honoring a WNC Trail Builder

The first phase of trails opened to the public on March 20, 2026. The Sutton’s Way trail is named for leading trail builder Ed Sutton, who leaves an incredible legacy of trails in WNC. Sutton and his team completed the first trails here shortly before he passed away in 2026. 

Thank You, Fairview Community Forest Partners!

It took many partners to create the Fairview Community Forest. We are grateful to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina which worked patiently with Conserving Carolina and Camp Grier for many years as we raised funds to buy the land. We could not have done it without vital support from these partners:

Funding Partners

Trail Creation

Enjoy your visit to Fairview Community Forest!

To help us protect more special places for our community, please become a Conserving Carolina member or volunteer! 

Conserving Carolina’s Program Manager, Leila Husain, celebrates the new trails. By Kiko Salazar.