Month: June 2024

Thanks to Burke County Public Schools, Town of Valdese, Rep Hugh Blackwell and volunteers, a new section of Burke River Trail will open on August 2. Officials will cut the ribbon at 10:00 am for the 0.6 mile natural surface trail, located north of Draughn High School, will be called Wildcat Way.

Wildcat Way was one of the first targeted sections of Burke River Trail during initial discussion back in 2020 when work started in earnest on Rep Blackwell’s vision for a trail along the river. As Beth Heile was exploring potential routes for the trail, she reached out to the developer on the east side of DHS and upon sharing the vision, the developer saw the benefit of having the trail in his development. When completed, McGalliard Falls to the eastern side of the development will be about a 4 mile section. At that time, the “Valdese Greenway” was still grass and there was no McGalliard Creek Bridge.

Opportunity Appalachia announced the selection of 29 projects to participate in its program aimed at increasing job growth,
business support, and investment in Central Appalachia. The Old Glory Mill project in Rhodhiss, submitted by Burke River Trail, one of 94 applicants, was awarded a technical assistance grant valued at $70,000. Services include a market study for the envisioned uses, including housing, restaurant, outdoor recreation retail/outfitter, event space, warehousing, and retail. Specifically that includes

Following the Burke Chamber Litter Sweep, BRTA decided to continue monthly Trail Town Trash Pickups. May was rained out and even though it was raining on June 3, we went ahead with our cleanup. 11 volunteers got soggy as we started at McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese and covered some of Church Street and all of Meytre. On July 7, we will be in Rhodhiss. Meet at Horseshoe Park at 3pm.

Around 125 people took part in the Glen Alpine in the Street Committee’s first event – Pickin’ in the Streets including Senator Warren Daniel and wife Lydia. Aldermen Reid Scott and Luke Boone continue to be supportive of advancements in the town and work with the volunteers to make things happen.

Burke River Trail Association has three Focus Areas:

• Connections – Physically get trail on the ground to connect communities
• Communities – Build stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement
• Conservation – Educate communities about the environment, wildlife and recreating responsibility