Tourism Impact
Outdoor recreation isn’t a hobby—it's an economic engine.
When visitors come for trails, creeks, and ATV riding, the real value is what happens after: meals, retail, lodging, and repeat trips.
This page is written to be honest and useful without making up stats. If you want specific numbers, we can add them with sources.
The formula
Access + amenities = captured spending
Bring visitors
Make it easy to stay
Give reasons to return
Showcase local business
How Piedmont captures value
Each outdoor asset brings a slightly different visitor. The win is connecting them to a walkable downtown and clear visitor information.
Cycling & walking
Chief Ladiga Trail
Reliable day-trip and weekend traffic; predictable needs: food, restrooms, coffee, retail, lodging.
Paddling
Terrapin Creek
Seasonal surges based on water/temperature; paddlers travel for quality creeks and tend to spend after the run.
ATV
Indian Mountain area
Group travelers with fuel/food/supplies needs; strong potential for overnight stays when a town is welcoming.
What visitors spend on
- Food & drink (fast + sit-down)
- Retail browsing (gifts, antiques, souvenirs)
- Lodging and weekend stays
- Supplies (fuel, ice, convenience items)
- Experiences (events, rentals, tours)
How to increase “capture”
- Clear online information and maps
- Strong business directories (with hours & links)
- Visitor-ready downtown: signage, walkability, photo spots
- Anchors (food, retail, experiences) that create a reason to stop
Trail town engine
Chief Ladiga Trail → Main Street
The trail delivers visitors. Downtown converts them into customers.
Food anchor
Give visitors a “must stop”
A strong dining anchor increases average spend and repeat trips.
Investment
Turn visits into moves
Some visitors become residents and investors when the town story is clear and credible.