OLD FORT, N.C. — Just two miles downstream from Catawba Falls there’s a spot where you can bike through the trees, wade in the river, eat tacos, and let the kids burn off some energy while you kick back with a cold drink.

Foothills Watershed sits in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, just outside downtown Old Fort. The 117-acre riverside park is part bike park, part outdoor hangout – and all about making the most of summer in the mountains.

Old Fort has been gaining attention as a new destination for outdoor adventure in Western North Carolina, thanks to growing trail systems, community investment, and spots like Foothills Watershed that bring people together in the open air.

If you haven’t made the trip yet, here are five reasons to check it out:

1. You don’t have to be a mountain biker to have a good time.

Yes, there is a feature-rich network of bike trails but the trails focus on skill progression. Foothills Watershed have designed their trails with a mix of rake n’ ride loamers, steep flow with grip that’ll rip a tire off, progressive jumps, rocky gaps, step ups and hips. They are designed to level up.

2. The food is worth the trip on its own.

Guests can expect elevated, family-pleasing fare thanks to a menu developed by Foothills Culinary Director Eric Morris and Chef Luis Martinez of Tequio Foods. Martinez, a native of Oaxaca, Mexico, brings his indigenous culinary heritage to the table – marrying bold, traditional flavors with local meats and seasonal ingredients. It’s food with purpose, crafted for the curious and the comfort-seekers alike.

On the menu, you’ll find tacos on house-made corn tortillas, loaded burritos with pineapple pico and rice, and hearty platos with beans and a side of yuca frita or sweet plantains. Signature items include a chorizo smash burger with salsa rosada and grilled pineapple, and a Pineapple Dog topped with salsa negra.

3. It’s built for families and everyone else.

This isn’t an exclusive mountain bike park or a high-speed scene. Foothills Watershed is casual and welcoming. Kids can ride or splash. Grownups can grab a drink, find a shady seat, and stay a while. It’s the kind of place where nobody’s in a rush.

4. You can stay as chill or as active as you want.

Tackle the trails. Rent a bike. Take the shuttle to Kitsuma. Or just stay put near the pond and enjoy the scenery. Whether you’re in the mood to move or just need a quiet afternoon outdoors, Watershed gives you space to do it your way.

5. You’ll want to stay a while.

Between the trails, the food, and the wide-open space to relax, it’s easy to turn an hour-long visit into a full afternoon. Some bring lunch and hang out by the creek. Others spend the day riding and grab dinner before heading home. However you spend your time, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger.

Foothills Watershed is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 8pm. To learn more about the trails, food, and more, visit foothillslocalmeats.com/watershed-bike-park.

Foothills Watershed in Old Fort, North Carolina

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