recreation

The Charlotte region is one step closer to its first state trail. The state House passed House Bill 23 earlier this week, which includes the official designation of the South Fork Passage State Trail. Now, hikers and paddlers are awaiting that final signature from Gov. Josh Stein.

The 60-mile trail would pass through parts of Gaston, Catawba and Lincoln counties.

Updated 5:29 p.m.Workers began pumping chlorine into water below the rafting channel at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte Wednesday, to…