​

The Alleghany Sparta Trail Association (ASTA) is a volunteer led and run organization founded in 2016. Our community of hikers and nature lovers works together to provide pathways for outdoor recreation that promote healthy lifestyles, connect enthusiasts with nature, and contribute to the economic vitality of Alleghany County and the town of Sparta. 

​

Alleghany County, including the town of Sparta, is in a sparsely populated area of northwestern North Carolina which is known for its great natural beauty. Within the county, there are two state parks- New River State Park and Stone Mountain State Park. Alleghany is also home to the New River, designated a Wild and Scenic River, as well as The Blue Ridge Parkway.

​

ASTA’s first goal is to connect Sparta to the popular Mountains-to-Sea Trail, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and into Stone Mountain State Park. The MST is a North Carolina linear park, which upon completion will be a 1,150-mile trail across North Carolina, reaching from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks.

 

As of 2016, ASTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.