Trail to 250
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...
Smarter Parking, Healthier Rivers
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...
BRT Advances in Valdese with Strategic Connector
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...
Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail
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...
Valdese ↔ Sawmills 2025-26
Comparing the 2025-26 budgets of Valdese and Sawmills
Glen Alpine Planning for Future
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...
Let the Meadow Grow
Letting The Meadow Grow: A New Natural Area at Valdese Lakeside Park
At Valdese Lakeside Park, one mile into the park along the Outer Loop, there’s a wide open grassy area we call The Meadow. For years, this space was regularly mowed—but as our trail system has evolved, so has our thinking.
Thanks to a recent trail reroute that moves visitors into the woods, The Meadow no longer...
BRTA 2025 Annual Report
We are pleased to present our 2025 Annual Report. If you are a BRTA member, the printed report will be coming to your mailbox soon. You can also request a printed report – just send an email to burketrails@gmail.com
BRTA Annual Report 2025 web versionDownload
Why a GTSC Member?
The Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) is proud to renew our Gold Membership in the Great Trails State Coalition—a statewide partnership that is shaping the future of trails in North Carolina.
We are members because the Coalition speaks with one unified voice for what matters most to trail communities:
A shared vision to promote North Carolina as The Great Trails State
Recurring...
Trail Town Trash
Caring for Place. One Bag at a Time.
Trail Town Trash is Burke River Trail Association’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship across the Burke River Trail corridor.
BRTA first became involved in roadside cleanups during the March 2024 Burke County Chamber Litter Sweep, organizing trash pickups in all nine Trail Towns along the trail route. Over eight days, 51...
Day of Service with NCSSM
Service with a Purpose: NCSSM Students Turn Cleanup into Advocacy on MLK Day
When Burke River Trail Association was invited to partner with the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for a Day of Service, the choice of project was intentional.
Rather than a generic cleanup, BRTA designed a service experience rooted in students’ daily reality: the route they walk from campus...
Trails and Trains
Why this moment matters for WNC
For the last three years, BRTA has said what many of us already believed: our Trail Towns could also be Rail Towns. Now, Western North Carolina is closer than it has been in 50 years.
Pictured: Beth Heile, Founder of BRTA and Mimi Phifer, Founder of Waiting for the Train
NCDOT has released its Draft Comprehensive State Rail Plan, and for the first time,...
Mull Grant for Glen Alpine
Picnic Tables funded by Mull Foundation in use for Community Picnic
The Burke River Trail Association is proud to announce that the Mull Foundation has awarded funding to support furnishings for the new Glen Alpine Downtown Park. This $9,800 investment helps bring to life a space designed for connection and belonging — a place where residents can rest, gather, share a meal, or enjoy...