Outdoor Recreation is an important and fast-growing sector in the U.S. Economy. In North Carolina, over half of all residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. Access to outdoor recreation in a region contributes to quality-of-life for residents, and helps to attract families and employers. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the Outdoor Recreation Economy in North Carolina generates $12.1 billion in total outdoor recreation value added, 152,000 direct jobs, $5.8 billion in wages in salaries, 2% of state GDP. In addition to its direct economic impact, expanding the outdoor economy can help to diversify local economies and improve quality of life, attracting entrepreneurs and employers from other sectors.
During Spring 2021, the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce approached NCGrowth about mapping the region’s existing and potential outdoor recreation assets and businesses in order to prioritize short-term and long-term recreation based economic development projects. The Chamber plans to use this asset map to inform the region’s outdoor recreation strategic plan.
The Hickory Nut Gorge is located in Western NC and encompasses well known destinations such as Lake Lure and Chimney Rock State Park. Less well known is that the Gorge is home to some of the best climbing in the Southeastern United States, as well as thoughtfully-designed and strenuous trails that attract experienced outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The Gorge is well-positioned to leverage recent growth and interest in outdoor recreation because of its abundance of exceptional natural assets and committed community organizations. Committed community partners include a wide range of small businesses as well as conservation, non-profit, and government organizations. Together, these groups possess a great deal of knowledge, commitment, and enthusiasm, and are all interested in making the Gorge a more accessible outdoor recreation destination.
Josh Alfonso, Duke MPP and MBA 2022, is NCGrowth’s lead analyst on this project, which is slated to wrap up in the next few weeks. Josh and Economic Development Manager, Jess Wilkinson, had the opportunity to visit the Hickory Nut Gorge in early June.
When asked about the project, Josh reflected on the summer visit, “The HNG project allowed me to go on my first trip since the pandemic began. The trip was a success, and being able to meet the client in person and tour around the region, really allowed me to understand from a different perspective the barriers that the region was facing when it came to sustainable economic growth.”
When complete, this report will be publicly available and posted on our website.
