Today’s ribbon cutting at Catawba Meadows Park marked the completion of something years in the making—more than five miles of professionally designed mountain bike trails that will serve riders, families, and student-athletes for years to come.
But behind every trail is a vision—and a person willing to believe in it early.
For the Foothills Mountain Bike Trail System, that person is Michael Lowther, owner of Overmountain Cycles and a member of the Burke River Trail Association Board.
Michael has long understood the role trails can play—not just in recreation, but in shaping a community. His early support and advocacy helped build momentum for a project that required years of planning, partnerships, and persistence.
Today, that effort is visible in every turn of the trail.
A Trail Built Through Partnership
Led by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina in collaboration with Morganton Parks and Recreation, the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, and many community partners, the project represents what is possible when organizations align around a shared goal.
The trail system itself was constructed by Black Diamond Trail Designs, led by BRTA Lifetime Member Joseph Litaker, whose work has helped shape trail experiences across the region. His team designed and built a system that balances rider progression, sustainability, and fun—creating trails that welcome beginners while still challenging experienced riders.
Together with BRTA Board Member Michael Lowther of Overmountain Cycles, the project highlights how local trail advocates and outdoor industry leaders are helping position Burke County as a destination for outdoor recreation.
The result is a dynamic trail system designed for all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and built to national standards for youth mountain biking competition. In fact, this is the first NICA-approved course in Western North Carolina, positioning Morganton as a hub for student cycling events beginning in 2027.
Resilience Through Challenge
The trail system’s journey was not without obstacles. Hurricane Helene caused significant delays, burying sections of the trail under water, mud, and debris. But thanks to thoughtful design and strong partnerships, the team was able to recover and move forward.
That resilience is now part of the story—and part of what makes this trail system even more meaningful.
Connecting Trails to Town
For BRTA, this project represents something bigger than a single trail system.
It’s about connection.
Michael Lowther is relocating Overmountain Cycles to the Morganton Greenway—just one mile from the mountain bike trailhead. That proximity creates a seamless experience where riders can move from downtown to greenway to trail and back again. The Morganton Greenway is a 4 mile section of Burke River Trail.
This is exactly how trail systems become economic drivers—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and creating places where people want to spend time.
More Than a Trail
The Foothills Mountain Bike Trail System is a powerful addition to Morganton’s outdoor assets—but it’s also part of a larger story unfolding across Burke County.
At Burke River Trail Association, we believe in building more than trails.
We’re building connections between towns, experiences for residents and visitors, and opportunities for communities to grow.
Today’s ribbon cutting is a celebration of what’s been accomplished—and a reminder of what’s possible when vision meets action.