Category Post

Reimagining Downtown Drexel

At Burke River Trail Association (BRTA), our mission goes beyond building a 40-mile hiking and biking trail across Burke County — we’re also committed to helping each trail town shine in its own unique way. That’s why we approached the…

Kid Conservation Pages

Need some activities for your kids? See us at a local festival to pick up some sheets in person – or download them from this page! And, from NC State Parks Junior Ranger Activity Guides –

Honoring Drexel’s Past

and Inspiring Its Future….In Drexel, art, history, and community pride are coming together in a powerful new way—through a public art installation titled A Community of Hands, created by local artisan and retired school principal Dan Hoyle. Burke River Trail…

Touring Rhodhiss

Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory was an incredible host for our Rhodhiss Trail Town Tour!! Manager Rick Justice and Mayor Spencer gave updates and answered questions. Alderwoman Donna and Clerk Julie were there. Copper Penny owner Shelly talked about having…

Touring Drexel

Full House for our Town of Drexel Trail Town Tour where we got a look back from Mayor Anthony and a look at future plans from Manager Carroll. Grow with Drexel gave a tour of the town with a 1…

Litter Sweep 2025

Update: We finished in First Place! For the second consecutive year, the Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) is proud to participate in the Burke County Chamber of Commerce Litter Sweep being held April 2-9. Over the course of the eight-day…

Touring Hildebran

The Town of Hildebran received its official name from the early Hildebrand family settlers, Jake and Soloman Hildebrand. When the Post Office and Town Charter were applied for, someone mistakenly omitted the “d” from Hildebrand and it has been spelled…

Where is that Shirt

Where in the world is the Burke River Trail T-shirt? From local spots to far-off places – join the journey! Send us a photo of you in your Burke River Trail t-shirt by a landmark or notable spot. We will…

Touring Rutherford College

Building stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement is a core focus for Burke River Trail Association (BRTA). To support this, the nonprofit has launched a Trail Town Tour series, which will spotlight the nine local governments along the…

BRTA 2024 Report

We are pleased to present our 2024 Annual Report. If you are a BRTA member, the printed report will be coming to your mailbox soon. You can also request a printed report – just send an email to burketrails@gmail.com

Trail Town Tour

Each month, learn about a Town along the Burke River Trail. For January, the focus is on Rutherford College. Thursday, January 23, we will meet at Town Hall at Noon for Lunch and hear updates from Town Officials. This free…

Helene Impact on Trail Use

Thanks to great partnerships, AllTrails (Trail Guide App) and Piedmont Land Conservancy worked together to see what data was available to help show the impact Helene had on trail use in Western NC. At a Great Trails State Coalition meeting,…

Giving Tuesday 2024

For the second year, Burke River Trail Association participated in Burke County United Way’s 1BurkeGives on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, in addition to being one of 40 some nonprofits listed on their Giving Page (giving us great exposure…

Glen Alpine Forward

On Monday, October 14, the Glen Alpine Board of Aldermen agreed to move forward with the Downtown Gathering Space at 401 Bridge Street. Alderman Luke Boone is against the park including a playground for children. With that restriction, the plan…

New Logo

Burke River Trail Association is excited to release the new logo for the trail and the association. Destination by Design was chosen from several area firms as the best to work on the logo and trail signage.

Local Developer Forum

As part of the Opportunity Appalachia Grant that Burke River Trail Association received for the Old Glory Mill, Beth Heile was invited to a three day Local Developer Forum in Charleston, West Virginia.

Rhodhiss Kickoff

Old Glory Mill is a catalytic opportunity to Revitalize Rhodhiss with a town center that includes housing, businesses, jobs, event space, Burke River Trail, outdoor recreation and more while preserving the rich heritage of the town. BRTA was awarded a…

Local Families Support Royal Park

As construction costs remain elevated, the Town of Hildebran is seeking donations and sponsors to close the gap in funding for its downtown park. Royal Park will include a covered stage, splash pad, 1/4 mile walking track, new concession building…

State Trail Awards

The Great Trails State Coalition (GTSC) held their first statewide conference with the help of NCSU’s Recreation Resources Service. The sold-out event offered three days of breakout sessions and plenary meetings to the 375 attendees representing nonprofits, municipalities and industry.…

Moon Picture has Landed

It takes about 3 days for a spacecraft to reach the Moon, traveling around 240,000 miles depending on the route. It took about 40 years and around 400 miles for a famous moon picture to return home to Rhodhiss. John…