Carolina Thread Trail Hosts National Trail Professionals Event
Peer to Peer Networking and Sharing of Trail Perspectives
The 8th Annual Collaboration of Regional Trail Initiatives (CRTI) was held in Charlotte on May 7–9, 2025. CRTI is a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences in all aspects of advancing regional trail networks. These aspects include addressing complex issues related to planning, operations, design, funding, construction and placemaking, which shape regional trail systems. Thread Trail staff have participated in all CRTIs since the initial convening held in 2018 in Philadelphia. Over the years CRTI has been held annually in metropolitan locations noted for their growing regional trail networks such as St. Louis, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and northwest Arkansas. The CRTI structure centers on inviting trail professionals who are focused on creating multi-jurisdictional trail systems. The Carolina Thread Trail is recognized as an exemplary model of facilitating regional trail network expansion through leveraging a diverse mix of partnerships.
Carolina Thread Trail and the Charlotte Region Chosen for 2025
After adjourning the St. Louis gathering in 2024, there was overwhelming sentiment recommending Charlotte for this year’s event to learn more about trail development in one of the fastest-growing metro regions in the U.S. The CTT-led convening had 65 attendees representing 30 regional trail networks across 25 states, including the West Coast.
Showcasing the Region
The CRTI agenda was robust and featured tours of a few of the signature greenways well-known to many trail users. Staff from City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County were gracious in lending their time and expertise by taking attendees on biking and walking tours of Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Cross Charlotte Trail. The tours highlighted engineering achievements, and environmental improvements, as well as the enhanced viability of car-free transportation
The advancement of the Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor (MBSFRC) in Gaston County was also a significant component of the agenda. This priority project of CTT was a great opportunity to not only demonstrate how partnership cultivation is so critical to leverage trail success but also to discuss trail development in more rural and smaller town settings. Past CRTI events have been focused primarily on larger urban trails. To sufficiently convey the work of CTT, it was crucial to also show trail work outside of the urban core. The MBSFRC tour highlights included the transformation and rebranding of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, a panel discussion in McAdenville featuring speakers representing both public and private perspectives on the immense value that MBSFRC brings to the region, and a stop at the peak of Spencer Mountain to show attendees the vision for the Mountain to become a regional trail and outdoor experience.
CTT also worked with Charlotte Center City partners to conduct a tour of Charlotte’s South End, which highlighted the interface between rail trail and light rail transportation, and how both have been critical in activating and transforming this part of the city.
And the agenda included a visit to Anne Spring Close Greenway in Fort Mill, where attendees experienced a whole host of outdoor amenities and programs offered at this unique nature preserve. Greenway staff presented the story of Ms. Close and her legacy of conservation, environmental protection, and ensuring everyone has access to the wonderful gifts the outdoors provide.
It was an honor to serve as host and showcase some of our communities’ achievements for this distinguished and well-respected assembly. This was a wonderful opportunity to expand the impact of our work beyond the CTT region.