WILTON, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2009) — Granville County recently hosted a grand opening of the Wilton Slopes Hiking Trails and Paddle Access, which includes a small-boat launch for anglers and paddlers contributed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Located just off the N.C. 96 overpass that spans the Tar River, the small-boat launch consists of a slide and a stair-stepped platform that provide boating anglers and paddlers a safe way to launch small boats and load fishing gear into boats when preparing to take float trips down the Tar River.
Other amenities constructed by Granville County at Wilton Slopes include a turn lane off N.C. 96, a gravel parking lot, a universally accessible parking pad, a covered picnic shelter, walking trails and a trail bridge.
The small-boat launch represents a new design for Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) constructed by the Wildlife Commission in the central part of the state. Most PFAs in the Piedmont consist of cleared banks and fishing piers for shore anglers fishing on ponds and reservoirs. The new PFA at Wilton Slopes was designed to accommodate anglers fishing the Tar River from canoes, kayaks and other small boats.
Wilton Slopes is open to the public free of charge, but access is limited by gate hours. The Granville County Sheriff’s Department will open and close the gate at sunrise and sunset daily. In addition, the Commission’s Wildlife Enforcement Officers will include Wilton Slopes in their routine patrols.
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