At Burke River Trail Association (BRTA), our mission goes beyond building a 40-mile hiking and biking trail across Burke County — we’re also committed to helping each trail town shine in its own unique way. That’s why we approached the Town of Drexel this spring with an offer to fund and install a branded trail kiosk downtown that would highlight points of interest, dining, and shopping to encourage exploration and foot traffic.
But as we dug deeper into the conversation with town leadership, we saw an even greater opportunity.
Through meaningful conversations with the Drexel Town Council, Town Manager Bill Carroll, and community advocates like Dan Hoyle, it became clear that downtown Drexel was at a turning point. With multiple elements in motion — public art, park improvements, historic markers, and new industrial development — the question became: how can all these ideas work together in a cohesive, thoughtful way?
Rather than pushing forward with a stand-alone sign, BRTA chose to step back and support a more comprehensive vision.
We’re now proud to be part of an evolving effort that’s being led by a new Reimagining Downtown Committee — a collaboration of aldermen, nonprofit leaders, town staff, and engaged citizens. With guidance from professional planners at Destination by Design, the committee is looking at not just Downtown Park, but Main Street with its store fronts and empty lots.
This is the kind of long-term thinking that can truly transform a downtown — and we’re honored to have helped spark that momentum.
In the end, it’s not just about placing a kiosk. It’s about helping towns like Drexel align their identity, history, and future in ways that strengthen community pride and economic vitality. And when the time is right, we’ll be ready to bring our kiosk — and our full trail brand — into a space that’s been intentionally designed to reflect the heart of Drexel.
We believe trails can do more than connect places. They can inspire collaboration, creativity, and new ways of thinking. That’s what’s happening in Drexel — and we’re excited to be a part of it.
