Leaders from across Burke County’s trail, tourism, and outdoor recreation community gathered on April 2 for the fourth Burke County Trails Summit, a collaborative meeting focused on advancing trail development, coordination, and long-term impact. Organized by the Burke River Trail Association, the Summit brought together representatives from local governments, state parks, nonprofits, and...

Donate Glen Alpine Veterans Memorial – Help Make It Accessible The Glen Alpine Veterans Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the men and women who have served our country. It is a place of reflection, honor, and remembrance — marked by flags representing each branch of the military, a Battlefield Cross symbolizing sacrifice, and engraved bricks bearing the names of nearly...

This week, Burke River Trail kiosks and entrance signs were installed in four Trail Towns (one to go). Seeing them in place is exciting—not because they are signs, but because of what they represent. They represent momentum.They represent towns coming together around a shared vision.They represent places that are ready. When you see a Burke River Trail sign, you’ll know what to...

When asked, Rutherford College, Drexel and Hildebran each responded to BRTA that they would like a Storybook Trail in their town. Valdese and Morganton already have them. For each town, BRTA will put in $2000. Fundraising is happening for the remaining $3000. You can donate at Paypal - just choose the town you want to help with the drop down box. Current amounts: Rutherford College has $3000...

The Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) is excited to announce that BRTA Board Member Melinda Wallrichs has secured a Thrivent Action Team Grant to help bring a new children’s program to communities across the Burke River Trail corridor. Thrivent Action Team grants are designed to empower individuals to lead service projects that make a positive impact in their communities. Over the past...

The People Carrying the Story Forward In 1780, patriot militia known as the “Overmountain Men” marched across the mountains and through the foothills of North Carolina on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain — a decisive victory that helped turn the tide of the American Revolution. Today, that journey is commemorated by the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a...

Why BRTA Supports House Bill 369 The Burke River Trail Association recently joined a discussion with Ryan Carter of the Catawba Riverkeeper about House Bill 369 – the Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act, currently being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly. At first glance, parking requirements might sound like a small zoning detail. In reality, parking rules shape how...

The Town of Valdese has voted to accept a 5.69-acre land donation from Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina — a major step forward for Children’s Park, a Burke River Trail Connector and the future of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail (WGST). This land, located at 101 Fat Avenue NE across US 70 from Children’s Park, was purchased by Foothills Conservancy using funding from the...

A Natural Partner to the Burke River Trail The Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail flows through the heart of Burke County — the same corridor that the Burke River Trail (BRT) is working to connect by land. While BRT is a developing 40-mile hiking and biking trail that follows the Catawba River and dips into each of our Trail Towns, the paddle trail offers the on-the-water experience of that...

NC Commerce Visits Glen Alpine: Planning for Downtown Opportunity The Burke River Trail Association believes trails are more than recreational amenities—they are catalysts for community vitality. As Glen Alpine continues to build momentum around its Downtown Park and town-center investments, BRTA worked with town leadership to explore what planning tools and resources are available to...