The Burke River Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, supports the planning, development and building of the Burke River Trail, which will generate economic activity, provide bike and pedestrian transportation, and improve citizen health in Burke County.
In short, BRTA is about Connecting Communities for economic impact and exceptional quality of life.
BRTA’s Three Focus Areas
A Pathway to Place
Supporting trailhead parks, public art, riverfront planning, and greenway connections that create welcoming, connected communities.
A Pathway to Purpose
Inspiring stewardship, volunteerism, and civic engagement that bring people together and build pride in shared spaces.
A Pathway to Possibility
Helping towns prepare for walkability, revitalization, housing opportunities, tourism, and long-term economic vitality.
What began as a focus on Connections, Communities, and Conservation has evolved as the Burke River Trail has grown. Today, we see more clearly how a regional trail shapes not just where people go, but how communities thrive. The Burke River Trail is more than a physical route for walking and biking—it is a Pathway to Place, Purpose, and Possibility for every town along the corridor.
BRTA was founded in May 2021 by Beth Heile (Organization History) and is governed by a volunteer Board (Members).
Beth Heile, Executive Director (and Founder)
Beth Heile, a dedicated advocate for preserving the essence of small-town life, hails from rural North Carolina – Valdese to be exact. Her journey into outdoor recreation and downtown development began as a volunteer but quickly transformed into a mission. Leading the charge for a 300-acre land acquisition for a passive park in her hometown, Beth’s impact was recognized with an appointment to the NC Parks and Recreation Authority and the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award. Over time, her passion for trails evolved into a broader commitment to revitalizing rural NC communities. For Beth, trails are more than just pathways; they are lifelines for improving quality of life, housing, business, tourism, conservation, and jobs. As President of Friends of the Valdese Rec and Executive Director of the Burke River Trail Association, Beth continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of rural North Carolina.
Beth’s Other Positions
Friends of the Valdese Rec, Inc.
Founder and President, Apr 2015 – Present
Started FVR to help the Town of Valdese acquire 300 acres of land on Lake Rhodhiss for a passive park. In addition – fundraising, events, workdays to benefit Rec Dept.
Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees
July 2025 – present
Appointed by the NC Speaker of the House, the board is local governing body for WPCC
Great Trails State Coalition
Founding Member, March 2020 – Present
Lobby for state funding for trails, served on the planning team for Year of the Trail, branding NC as the Great Trails State.
Duke Habitat Enhancement Program Lakes Advisory Committee
Nov 2018 – Present
Award funds for habitat enhancement.
NC Parks and Recreation Authority Member
July 2019 – June 2025
Appointed by the NC Speaker of the House, authority allocates money from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
Rotary Club of Valdese
Past President and other offices, Sep 2015 – Present
Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail
Past President and other offices, March 2020 – Present
Nonprofit for 100-mile trail connecting Morganton to Asheville
Past
Burke County Planning Board, Member, October 2021 – Oct 2024
Burke Women’s Fund, Co-Chair, Jan 2016 – May 2023
Valdese Recreation Commission, Member, Jun 2015 – Jun 2023
Valdese Main Street Committee, Member, May 2015 – May 2023
Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation, Secretary, Jan 2019 – Jan 2022
Beth’s Awards
Top 2024 Newsmaker
Issued by The News Herald · Dec 2024
For making an impact on Burke County by expanding outdoor recreation and enhancing downtown spaces. (1 of 4 honored)
Great Trails State NC Year of the Trail Spirit Award
Issued by Great Trails State Coalition · Sep 2024
For tireless work on the NC Year of the Trail state planning committee and hosting incredible local events.
Distinguished Business Person of the Year
Issued by Burke County Chamber of Commerce · Nov 2023
For Friends of the Valdese Rec. This award honors an individual who has shown exemplary leadership, vision, and entrepreneurship throughout the year.
Community Service Above Self Award
Issued by Rotary Club of Valdese · Dec 2020
For her enthusiasm and determination. She has accomplished so much in a short time and is making this world and especially Valdese an amazing place to call home.
Ruby Award
Issued by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina · Nov 2020
Award for volunteer supporting the mission of land & water conservation
North Carolina Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award
Issued by North Carolina Wildlife Federation · Sep 2018
Wildlife Volunteer of the Year – It took a spark to light the fire of 4,000 Valdese residents, and Beth Heile was spark, tinder, kindling, and fuel for the effort to create the Valdese Lakeside Park.
