TRAPHILL, NC – Local author John B. Marek, creator of the popular Owen Sinclair mystery series, is stepping out from behind the desk and onto the trails. Today, John officially announced his participation in the Stone Mountain State Park Trail Ambassadors program, a volunteer initiative dedicated to hiker education and park stewardship.
During the park’s peak hiking season, Trail Ambassadors serve as a vital resource for visitors. Members of the program staff information booths and patrol popular routes to provide navigational assistance, safety tips, and insights into the park’s unique ecosystem and trail system.
For fans of the Owen Sinclair series, the choice of Stone Mountain State Park is no coincidence. The park serves as the real-world inspiration for the fictional Craven Fork State Park, a central setting in the novels.
"Stone Mountain is right in the backyard of my off-grid cabin," says Marek. "In many ways, it is the heart of the Owen Sinclair series. Having the opportunity to serve in this semi-official capacity is an exciting way to 'give back' to a place that has given me so much creative inspiration. I’m looking forward to helping visitors while perhaps uncovering a few more secrets of the landscape for future books."
The community is invited to visit the park and connect with John during his inaugural service day:
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Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
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Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Location: Stone Mountain State Park (Look for the Trail Ambassador booth at the Upper Lot or find him on the main loop)
Whether you are looking for trail recommendations, have questions about the park’s history, or want to chat about the latest Owen Sinclair mystery, John will be available to assist hikers throughout the morning and early afternoon.