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Foothills Watershed has mountain bike trails that wind through privately owned forest, 1,600 feet of riverbanks, a swimming pond, food and beverage offerings, and family-friendly activities according to a news release from Foothills Watershed. The park is at 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort.

Developed by Casey and Amanda McKissick, the family behind local Foothills Butcher Shop, Foothills Grange and Hell or High Water, Foothills Watershed is the next step of their commitment to community, the release said.

“We’ve lived and worked in Old Fort for over 23 years,” Casey McKissick said. “Even though we weren’t born here, our kids were, so we’re proud to call this place home and invest our lives in helping to create value. Foothills Watershed is the space we always wished existed for our own family — a spot to relax, eat well and let the kids run wild.”

The McKissicks are partnering with Molly Morningglory and Jeremy Poore of Mountain Top Shuttles to bring this project to life. Poore teaches trail building and sustainability at McDowell Tech and Morningglory teaches ceramic arts at Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, both in Old Fort.

“I’m thrilled to be building a space in my hometown for people to laugh, play and have a good time. I grew up in Old Fort, and Jeremy was raised in Hendersonville,” co-owner Morningglory said. “We started Mountain Top Shuttles to help make some of the most difficult trails in Pisgah more accessible. Jeremy and I specialize in fun and dirt. Partnering with the McKissicks was a natural step in that love for fun.”

Described as “just a little wilder than your backyard,” Foothills Watershed is a riverside hangout and bike park along the Catawba River.

It has a network of mountain bike trails, an all-ages pump track, bike, ebike and gear rentals, live music and event space, wading river areas and a natural pond. Guests choose between the All-Activities Pass, which grants all-day access to both bike trails and the water, or the Waterfront Pass, meant for people who don’t wish to bike, the release said. People coming for food or a refreshing drink won’t need a pass, the release said.

“At the heart of Foothills Watershed is a family-first mindset,” the news release said. “Our thoughtfully designed and intentionally maintained property offers something for every age and energy level. Families and friends can spend the day together doing exactly what they like with the people they love, becoming blissfully exhausted or rightfully restored in nature. This is the perfect place to unwind, recharge and connect.”

Foothills Watershed will also have a restaurant with food from the Grange menu alongside a new collaboration between Foothills Culinary Director Eric Morris and chef Luis Martinez of Tequio Foods, the release said.

Foothills Watershed will open with a BYOB policy that allows guests to bring their own beer and wine (cans only). Later, the owners plan to partner with an Asheville brewery and by late summer this year, Watershed will be brewing its own beer to be sold on the property, according to the news release.

For more information, find Foothills Watershed on Instagram @foothillswatershed or visit .

“Come have your watershed moment with us,” the news release said.