Melinda
Melinda is stepping up to continue as your Ward 2 council representative
Touring Rhodhiss
Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory was an incredible host for our Rhodhiss Trail Town Tour!! Manager Rick Justice and Mayor Spencer gave updates and answered questions. Alderwoman Donna and Clerk Julie were there. Copper Penny owner Shelly talked about having two other restaurants (Forest City and Rutherfordton) on the Thermal Belt Trail and she looks forward to hosting the BRT on site. Several…
Touring Drexel
Group that went on the Optional 1 Mile Walk before lunch hosted by Dan Hoyle
Full House for our Town of Drexel Trail Town Tour where we got a look back from Mayor Anthony and a look at future plans from Manager Carroll. Grow with Drexel gave a tour of the town with a 1 mile walk and a peak at the future Museum location. Attendees from all around – Morganton, Lenoir, Hildebran, Valdese,…
Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest
Back for its second year under the new name and date, Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest is the kickoff event for the Great State Trail Day the following weekend. The three distances use mostly technical, single-track trails, all within Valdese Lakeside Park. Note that the 5K will be a bit longer than 3.1 miles and you may not get exactly 6.2 or 10.0 miles with the other courses. No matter which event you…
10 Years of Impact
A Thank You from President and Founder Beth Heile
Ten years ago, I believed we could do something big. Something bold.Over time, you believed too.
We believed this community deserved more — more access to the outdoors, more ways to connect, move, and celebrate what makes Valdese special. And through it all, we kept going.
Together, we’ve created a brand-new park, brought in millions…
Eagle Scout Bike Obstacle
An exciting new mountain bike feature and section of trail along the Hollipop Trail at Valdese Lakeside Park is now open. The elevated skinny was the vision and hard work of Marshall Brinkley, who designed, fundraised, and built the trail section for his Eagle Scout Project.
Supporting him throughout the process were his Draughn High School Construction teacher, Billy Abee, along with…
Celebration and Dedication
Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Picture – includes Rep Hugh Blackwell, Sen Warren Daniel, Mayor Charlie Watts, Valdese Councilwoman Melinda Zimmerman, Valdese Parks and Recreation Director David Andersen, FVR President Beth Heile, professional services – David Harmon Architecture, Table Rock Custom Builders, Jeff McGee Custom Stone, and donors, volunteers, supporters.
Friends of the Valdese Rec (FVR)…
Litter Sweep 2025
Update: We finished in First Place!
Marti and Val accepting the Big Check
For the second consecutive year, the Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) is proud to participate in the Burke County Chamber of Commerce Litter Sweep being held April 2-9. Over the course of the eight-day event, volunteers will cover all nine trail towns along the Burke River Trail route, working to clean up our…
Touring Hildebran
The Town of Hildebran received its official name from the early Hildebrand family settlers, Jake and Soloman Hildebrand. When the Post Office and Town Charter were applied for, someone mistakenly omitted the “d” from Hildebrand and it has been spelled “Hildebran” ever since.
Building stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement is a core focus for Burke River Trail…
Lovelady Sidewalk
In June 2024, Valdese Council unanimously approved a resolution to apply for grant and committed funds if awarded. In January 2025, Valdese Town Council made NO motion regarding acceptance of $1.14M in DOT Funds for the Lovelady Sidewalk. It is unclear why Council committed to applying for the grant and approving matching funds needed – if it would not accept the final contract. (History of…
Pavilion Funded by Donors
FVR has raised $360,000 for the cost of the project that includes design, engineering, permitting, grading, construction, power, picnic tables and amphitheater seating. The funds came from community donors, local grants and state grants. Donor List
The Pavilion will serve as a “family room,” a gathering space for the community to take part in classes, meals, awards, exercise, meet…
Where is that Shirt
Where in the world is the Burke River Trail T-shirt?
From local spots to far-off places – join the journey! Send us a photo of you in your Burke River Trail t-shirt by a landmark or notable spot. We will post it on social media for followers to guess the location.
Sam Houston – TX
Hawaii
Hawaii
The Alamo – TX
Touring Rutherford College
Building stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement is a core focus for Burke River Trail Association (BRTA). To support this, the nonprofit has launched a Trail Town Tour series, which will spotlight the nine local governments along the trail corridor. Each month, a different town will be featured in a lunch meeting with the town’s mayor and manager, offering…