Three Burke County communities have successfully reached their fundraising goals and installed new Storybook Trails, expanding a countywide network that combines literacy, outdoor recreation, and family fun.
Storybook Trails feature the pages of a children’s book displayed along a walking path, allowing families to read a story while enjoying a park or trail. The concept supports early literacy development, encourages physical activity, and creates opportunities for families to spend time together outdoors.
The newly completed Storybook Trails in Drexel, Hildebran, and Rutherford College join an existing trail at Valdese Lakeside Park, bringing the county’s total to four active Storybook Trails.
Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) has submitted each Storybook Trail for inclusion on the Story Trails of North Carolina map, a statewide initiative that highlights Storybook Trail locations across North Carolina. Inclusion on the map helps bring additional attention to Burke County’s parks, trails, and trail towns while encouraging family-friendly tourism.
“Storybook Trails create a reason for families to return again and again,” said Beth Heile, Executive Director of Burke River Trail Association. “Each month brings a new story, a new adventure, and another opportunity to enjoy Burke County’s parks and trails.”
With four active Storybook Trails now located throughout the county, families can visit a different trail each weekend and discover a new story. When the books are changed the following month, the adventure begins again.
Each Storybook Trail includes sixteen display pedestals. Because children’s books must be carefully deconstructed and mounted for outdoor display, two copies of each book are required to create a complete trail experience. The second copy allows both sides of the pages to be displayed so readers can enjoy the story in its intended sequence.
While BRTA provided seed funding and technical assistance, each community found its own path to success.
In Hildebran, rising East Burke High School senior Aubrey Sanders championed the project and helped build community support.
“I wanted to do this project because I’ve always loved reading and I believe other kids should have the same experience I did growing up,” said Sanders. “The Storybook Trail will help kids read and hopefully give them an experience that will make them continue reading.”
In Drexel, Cub Scout families played a leading role in fundraising and committed to changing the books each month. Scout families contributed nearly one-quarter of the project’s funding, and Pack 225 will continue supporting the trail through monthly book changes and maintenance.
“Drexel is growing, and our family wants to be part of that growth,” said Anna Anderson, Cub Scout leader and project supporter. “The Storybook Trail is a wonderful addition for local families, and it gives our Scouts an opportunity to be part of something lasting in the community. By changing the books each month, they have an ongoing service project they can take pride in.”
In Rutherford College, local business owner Jonathan Holden Construction stepped forward. Holden not only contributed financially to the project but also led the installation workday, bringing equipment and expertise that helped make the project a success.
When asked about his involvement, Holden’s response was simple: “Just glad I could help.”
“The Storybook Trails demonstrate what happens when communities take ownership of a project,” said Heile. “Every town approached the project differently, but each one brought together volunteers, donors, local government, and community partners to make it happen.”
The Storybook Trail initiative reflects Burke River Trail’s broader mission of creating connections between people and places. While the organization’s primary focus remains the development of the 40-mile Burke River Trail, projects like Storybook Trails show how trails can also support literacy, health, family engagement, and community pride.
For each project, there are pictures and individual stories at
https://burkerivertrail.net/rutherford-college-storybook-trail/
https://burkerivertrail.net/drexel-storybook-trail/
https://burkerivertrail.net/hildebran-storybook-trail/
Thanks to volunteers James Glick and Eric Heile for being at every installation day.
