A Regional Outdoor Recreation Vision for Eastern Burke County
July 1, 2026 – Burke River Trail Association, the Town of Rhodhiss, and Destination by Design gathered at Weaver Lane Boat Ramp to officially kick off the master planning process for the future Lake Rhodhiss Nature Park (working title). We’re creating a long-term vision for transforming the Weaver Lane area into a destination for outdoor recreation, family fun, and trail connections along the Burke River Trail. Many longtime residents remember when Rhodhiss had a swim beach. As we begin planning for the future, we’re asking the community to dream with us.
Lake Rhodhiss Nature Park is a concept to combine the Duke Energy Weaver Lane property (131.74 acres) and adjacent Burke County Old Landfill property (44.51 acres) into a connected 176-acre lakefront recreation destination on Lake Rhodhiss/Catawba River. The space would be built out in phases and managed by Town of Rhodhiss. The town is allowed to collect revenue on camping, shelter, beach access.
The site has access from Rhodhiss Road and Weaver Lane and has the potential to become a regional outdoor recreation hub serving eastern Burke County and the greater Catawba Valley region.
The Town of Rhodhiss is exploring the opportunity to lead the project, including future funding, planning, and maintenance. Burke River Trail Association is assisting with visioning and corridor planning as part of the larger Burke River Trail initiative.
Because the property is under Duke Energy/FERC oversight, Duke Energy has encouraged a comprehensive long-term vision approach so that future recreation amenities can be considered within the initial planning and approval process. That means if only trail is desired at this time, it is worth the effort to submit all amenities desired in the future since the FERC approval can take 9-12 months.
BRTA has contracted with Destination by Design for the illustrative master plan.
Existing Amenities
- Boat ramp
- Parking area
- Vault toilet
- Lake access
Potential Amenities to Explore Through Public Input & Master Planning
- Burke River Trail lakefront trailhead
- Walking and nature trails
- Tent camping, Cabins and/or RV camping
- Swim beach
- Large Picnic Shelter for at least 100
- Fishing and lake recreation access
- Small picnic areas throughout the property
- Expanded restroom facilities
- Mountain Bike Trails, Pump Track, Skate Park
The proposed Burke River Trail corridor would connect Lake Rhodhiss Nature Park to Horseshoe Park and Old Glory Mill — creating approximately 1.5 miles of future trail connection between the lakefront and town center.
How cool to recreate a piece of history with a Swim Beach…..
Plans from 1999 for Burke County when Duke Energy was willing to sell the parcel for $1.
Example Duke Property – Public Access Sites – managed by local governments.
The Wittenburg Access Swim Beach in Bethlehem will open for the summer on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The beach area will be open six days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays for maintenance) from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
A park attendant will be on duty with concessions available, including drinks, snacks, pre-wrapped sandwiches, and more. No lifeguard will be on duty.
In addition to the swim beach, the revamped Wittenburg Access Area features outdoor showers, a changing area, restrooms, concessions, a park office, picnic shelters, a fishing pier, boat access, a nature trail, and more.
The Wittenburg Access Area, located at 175 Wildlife Access Road in Bethlehem, is owned by Duke Energy. In 2019, Alexander County leased the property for 40 years with the goal of enhancing recreational opportunities in Alexander County. (Pic Credit: Alexander County)
Black Bear Campground has 31 primitive tent campsites along with five primitive cabin sites. On top of this, Black Bear Campground has a day use area that features a picnic area, a fishing pier and various hiking trails including the Fonta Flora State Trail.
Managed by McDowell County.
(Pic Credit: McDowell County)
BRTA will contract with a professional trail builder to build the solid green line as 4ft wide natural surface trail (exact route may vary). This will connect to the dotted line in the future. The dotted line will require a lease from Duke Energy, which makes sense to do all at once with the Weaver Lane parcel and connecting around the lake. The yellow line is the existing Duke public access for the portage – to take out your kayak above the dam, carry it along the yellow line and put in below the dam.
