Foothills Watershed Opens This June: Old Fort’s Newest Destination for Play, Connection, and Great Food
Where mountain trails meet riverside relaxation—just minutes from downtown Old Fort and Black Mountain, NC
This June, something special is opening its gates just downstream from Catawba Falls: Foothills Watershed, a bold new addition to the Old Fort landscape that blends outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, and elevated local food into one unforgettable experience.
Located just a few minutes from I-40 and downtown Old Fort, Foothills Watershed is more than a park—it’s a purpose-built community gathering place imagined by Casey and Amanda McKissick, the family behind local favorites Foothills Butcher Bar, Foothills Grange, and Hell or High Water. They’ve teamed up with Mountain Top Shuttles founders Molly Morningglory and Jeremy Poore, two locals deeply rooted in the area’s outdoor and arts scene.
“Foothills Watershed is the space we always wished existed for our own family,” says co-owner Casey McKissick. “A spot to relax, eat well, and let the kids run wild.”
A Backyard Adventure …..Just a Little Bit Wilder
Spread across 117 acres of private forest and 1,600 feet of river frontage, Foothills Watershed is packed with features designed to delight every age and energy level:
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Mountain bike trails for beginners and seasoned riders alike (yes, e-bikes welcome!)
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An all-ages pump track for biking, play, and skill-building
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A shady riverside lawn for picnics, lounging, and lazy afternoons
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Natural water features, including a pond and river access for wading and cooling off
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Live music and event space for an always-changing experience
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Bike, ebike, and gear rentals on-site
The park offers two pass options: the All Activities Pass (bike + water) and the Waterfront Pass (non-biking visitors). And if you’re just here to enjoy a meal, a drink, or the vibes—no pass required.
More Than Just a Menu
As you’d expect from the McKissick family, the food at Foothills Watershed is no afterthought. Guests can expect elevated, family-pleasing fare from a menu that blends reimagined favorites from Foothills Grange with something entirely new: a collaboration between 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 the region’s finest meats and local ingredients. It’s food with purpose, crafted for the curious and the comfort-seekers alike.
A Space for Everyone
Whether you’re here for a day of biking and splashing with the kids, a quiet afternoon under the trees, or a night of live music and great food, Foothills Watershed has a place for you. The team’s guiding mission is clear: to create a space that feels like a natural extension of the community—welcoming, dynamic, and grounded in a deep love of the land.
“Our goal is to create something that reflects the energy and diversity of Old Fort,” says co-owner Molly Morningglory. “This is our hometown. We wanted to build a space for laughter, movement, and connection.”
Something’s Brewing
When Foothills Watershed opens, it will launch with a BYOB policy (cans only), and a lineup of curated non-alcoholic and infused drinks. But that’s just the beginning. By late summer 2025, the team plans to debut its very own on-site brewery, developed in partnership with an under-the-radar Asheville brewing talent.
Come Have Your Watershed Moment
Ready for your next local adventure? Follow along at @foothillswatershed on Instagram or visit foothillswatershed.com for updates on the opening date, passes, and events.
Foothills Watershed Quick Highlights:
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117 acres of private forest near Catawba Falls
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Bike trails, pump track, river and pond access
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Elevated food and non-alcoholic drink offerings
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Upcoming on-site brewery (summer 2025)
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BYOB (cans only) allowed for now
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Rentals, lawn games, live music & events
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Perfect for parties, family outings, and free-range fun
This summer, find your moment at Foothills Watershed—where the mountains meet the meal, and the whole family finds something to love.
