Photo courtesy of Foothills Watershed
By Emma Castleberry
Foothills Watershed in Old Fort is expanding its mountain biking terrain with the addition of the Back 80, a second phase that brings the bike park to nearly 120 acres and takes riders higher and deeper into the surrounding mountains.
The expansion adds nine trails designed and built in partnership with Elevated Trail Design, combining raw, loamy terrain with machine-built berms and jumps. A bike-only climbing trail leads riders toward a high ridge below Wildcat Knob, where views stretch toward Hickory Nut Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Greybeard and Bernard Mountain.
The bike park was not part of the company’s original plan for the property. Foothills Local Meats initially envisioned using the building as office space and creating a butcher shop and commissary kitchen in the warehouse, while reserving the riverfront and mountain for employees, friends and family.
“Once we cleared the beautiful riverfront property, explored the mountain, and found the old logging roads to the summit, we thought, ‘Nah, this is too good—we have to share this,’” says Emily Voss, marketing and communications manager for Foothills Watershed. “We began to envision a place for families and mountain bikers to enjoy all four seasons outdoors, where Foothills could contribute to Old Fort’s growing brewery and restaurant scene.”
Photo courtesy of Foothills Watershed
The Back 80 significantly expands on the first phase of the park, which concentrated shorter, repeatable jump trails on a smaller portion of the mountain. The original trail area is now known as the Lower Mountain Hub, while the new trails extend onto the north slope and high ridge overlooking Old Fort. Two of the new trails descend nearly 500 vertical feet over about three-quarters of a mile.
“Riders wanted more options,” Voss says. “Steeper, longer, more tech, less tech, harder and easier trails. Just more of everything.”
Elevated Trail Design was brought in to develop trails suited to the property’s steep terrain. The North Carolina-based company has built trails across the country and has worked locally on projects including Chestnut Mountain, Greenslick, Hatley Pointe and Rattlesnake Bike Park.
“We wanted to enhance and round out the overall bike rider experience in Old Fort by building a downhill bike park with trail features that you simply can’t build or ride on public land, including allowing e-bikes,” Voss says. “This is why it was important for us to bring in Elevated Trail Design, because they know how to take these steep, steep slopes and build beautiful and sustainable trails that you can’t ride just anywhere.”
The Back 80 is geared toward riders who already have foundational mountain biking skills. Trails are rated from easiest to most advanced, but the backcountry does not include trails intended for true beginners. E-bike access and rentals can make the climbing less physically demanding, while riders accustomed to downhill parks and gravity-oriented blue and black trails will find terrain designed for their skill level.
Beginners and families have options closer to the river. Watershed’s Frontcountry area is free and includes riverfront access, a bike skills loop, dirt jumps and a children’s pump track with complimentary strider bikes. Beginner mountain biking classes are also planned for fall and early winter.
“We strive to be a place for families and friends to spend the day together, whether they’re interested in mountain biking or just looking to spend a lazy day hanging out by the river,” Voss says. “Our hope is that locals and travelers alike find inspiration, relaxation and a heck of a good time at Foothills Watershed.”
Foothills Watershed is located at 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort. The Backcountry Pass, required to cross the river and access the mountain bike trails, costs $24 for adults and $16 for riders ages 12 to 16. Riders 11 and younger are admitted free. The property also offers e-mountain bike and dirt jumper rentals, as well as helmets and other gear. For more information, follow @foothillswatershed on Instagram or visit FoothillsWatershed.com.
