By ALEX BENZEGALA
Panhandle Post
The Nebraska Historical Society Foundation had their “Walk to the Rock,” public ceremony and dedication on Saturday afternoon. Panhandle Post was at Chimney Rock for the celebration and talked to Leslie Fattig who is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Historical Society Foundation an she explains what the event was all about. "This is the public dedication to welcome the public to our trails," Fattig said. The response has been overwhelmingly positive."
Fattig says that Walk To The Rock includes four, ten-foot-wide hiking trails, ranging in length from .20 miles to 1.76 miles, and two bridges that span 130 feet in length. bridges spanning ravines. The two bridges make the path crossable for all visitors, including the elderly and those using a wheelchair, walkers, and strollers.
The finely crushed gravel trail bed allows wheeled transportation and maintenance equipment to easily glide over the pathway.
Gail Debuse Potter, President of the Nebraska Historical Society Foundation explained that with the opening of the trails it will get hikers the closest to Chimney Rock possible.
Trail signs will honor donors to this project. Trail A is named for the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation, Trail C for Crete Carrier, and Trail D will be the Community Trail.
All donors over $1,000 will be recognized on this Trail. The bridge situated in front of Chimney Rock is named for D F Dillion. Trail B has not been named at this time. Trail signs will be installed as they are completed.