Burke River Trail Association hosted a Ribbon Cutting for the first section of that specially build to be Burke River Trail. The new 0.6 mile trail is on Burke County Public Schools property and the trail easement is being held by Town of Valdese.
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Ogle welcomed the crowd of forty hikers, volunteers, elected officials and municipal staff. Dr. Karen Auton, BCPS Deputy Superintendent, shared the school system was pleased to be a part of this effort and it would be a benefit to the students.
Rep Blackwell, who had the vision for a trail across Burke County connecting the towns, reported the new trail section had been built with volunteers with state grants. He provided updates on other trail sections and opportunities in the works.
Beth Heile, Executive Director of Burke River Trail Association closed out the event by sharing the next big item to happen at this site was a bridge to connect Valdese Lakeside Park to Wildcat’s Perch (a boulder located along the trail).