All photos courtesy Foothills Watershed

A new type of mountain bike park is about to open its gates to the public — and it offers way more than mere mountain bike trails. The Watershed Bike Park is a progressive new trail system intentionally designed to bring together families, riders of all levels, and even the occasional foodie.

The new development is located along a quiet stretch of the Catawba River in Old Fort, North Carolina, on 117 acres of privately owned land. This is the latest venture from Casey and Amanda McKissick — the couple behind the Foothills Butcher Shop, Foothills Grange, and Hell or High Water. “Foothills Watershed is the space we always wished existed for our own family — a spot to relax, eat well, and let the kids run wild,” said Casey.

10 trails of flow, tech, and fun—with more to come

The Foothills Watershed is opening with 10 purpose-built trails (totaling 2.75 miles) on 32 acres of terrain with 180 feet of vertical drop. The bike park has been designed to maximize progression and sessionability, with features that encourage repeat runs and skill building. “We have everything from beginner flow to rocky technical sections and more advanced features like big step-ups, step-downs, shark fins, and hip jumps,” said Emily Voss, Marketing and Communications Manager for the park.

A rake-and-ride zone with root-filled loamers has also been incorporated into the bike park. But if you like smooth green and blue flow lines, you’ll still find those aplenty, thanks to the hardpacked clay. “As pro rider Shawn Neer (Yeti Bikes) recently put it, ‘I could rip a tire off the rim in any one of these corners,’” Voss added.

More than just trails: pump tracks, river access, and bold Oaxacan cuisine

Beyond the trail network, the list of features reads more like a mountain resort than a grassroots build: a 10,000ft² dirt pump track, a tot track for balance bikes, intermediate and advanced dirt jumps, a natural river-fed pond, and 1,600ft of shady river frontage.

Foothills Watershed also aims to be a hub for coaching, events, and family hangouts. A skills area with rock drops, rock gardens, and a 62-foot-long red oak skinny is under construction for private lessons and clinics.

And then there’s the food.

Headlining the menu is a collaboration between Culinary Director Eric Morris and Oaxacan-born chef Luis Martinez of Tequio Foods. Think local meats fused with bold, indigenous Mexican flavors. “We’re pairing reimagined classics from the Grange menu alongside dishes crafted with purpose and tradition,” said Voss.

Future plans reach toward Pisgah

The Watershed is only just getting started. Phase two will expand onto a neighboring 80-acre ridge with views of the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell, adding another five to seven miles of singletrack. That expansion is currently under construction, and it will feature a “seriously steep (50%+) back bowl with technical terrain,” according to Voss.

While phase three is still conceptual, it will be even more ambitious, connecting to the 2,000+ acre Catawba Headwaters Preserve, which is owned and managed by the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC). This connection could potentially create a continuous trail experience all the way to Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest.

“Strategically located, the Foothills Watershed offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how conservation can coexist with thoughtful development and responsible land management,” said Shane Prisby, Trails Program Director for the FCNC. “FCNC is actively exploring the potential to activate this space for public exploration of our protected preserve lands, currently closed to the public. […] We want people to experience the tangible value of land conservation, especially in areas facing increasing development pressure.”

Who’s behind the build?

“Phase one was designed and built by the Watershed team, McDowell Tech Trail School, and Trase Sowell from Geosculpt Trail Design, the builder behind last year’s completion of Lower Heartbreak Ridge in nearby Pisgah National Forest,” said Voss. Phase two is being designed by Peter Mills of Elevated Trail Designs.

The Watershed has also partnered with Molly Morningglory and Jeremy Poore of Mountain Top Shuttles “to bring the project to life.”

As for the park’s creators, they’re rooted in the community. “We’ve lived and worked in Old Fort for over 23 years,” said Casey. “Even though we weren’t born here, our kids were, so we’re proud to call this place home and invest our lives in helping to create value.”

The deets

The Watershed Bike Park will open with full food service, live music, and BYOB (cans only) allowed until their brewery is finished later this year. All-activity passes (which include biking) and waterfront-only passes are available, but no pass is required to grab a meal or hang out on the lawn.

Be sure to follow the Foothills Watershed on social media or visit their website to stay updated on the official opening date.