Both, we have fun options for the whole family with river access, a freshwater pond, lawn games, music, food and awesome bike terrain.

We are more than a bike park.

Watershed is a resort for the whole family, so if part of the family wants to swim, lounge in a hammock or play yard games and part wants to ride, split up and rejoin for food and hangout.

You’ll need a Waterfront pass and waiver to enjoy our 1,600 feet of river access covered with sand and round river stones. The Pond is roughly 350 by 80 feet and depth is up to 5 feet.  Wading and swimming are allowed at your own risk.

Waterfront fees are suspended in the “off season” due to the cold nature of the water. Waivers are still required to roam the property. See an attendant to complete a wavier. Waivers stay on file for a whole year to make it easier on everyone!

Floats are great, but no watercraft for everyone’s safety.

The river and pond are natural features and as such water depth, speed and clarity are governed by nature.  Always visually inspect water before wading or swimming and assess for your ability and comfort level.  Water is clear most days and we are only 3 miles from the beginning of the Catawba River headwaters.

Sandals or water shoes are required for your own safety.

NEVER leave children unattended at the waterfront. 

NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.  We have staff supervising our property, but no Lifeguards.

If you have an EMERGENCY, call 911.

Watershed is being built in phases. Phase 1 (completed) focuses on a progressive and repeatable group of trails built in our front bowl.  We have everything from beginner flow to techy rocks to more advanced features like step ups, step downs, shark fins and hip jumps. Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free-Ride is our mantra and we are always adding new features or alternate lines.  So, even if you’ve been here before, make sure to look out for new lines and features.

In addition, we have a dynamic pump track built for lots of airtime and transfer options, intermediate and expert dirt jump lines, and a skills trail (coming soon) with balance and tech features. 

Phase 2 (planning) includes 80+ additional acres of steep (50%+) back bowl.  Trails are currently under construction with Elevated Trail Design.

Phase 3 is massive, but it’s too early to talk about—stay tuned!

Friendly dogs on leash are welcome!  Remember, we are a family establishment first, so expect your dog to interact with children and other dogs.  If your dog is reactive to these stimuli, leave them at home. We reserve the right to ask you to leave if your dog is misbehaving. Guests are responsible for their pets and cleaning up after them as well.  Dogs are NOT allowed on any bike trail or feature.

Watershed is an expansive resort with water and bike features, food and beverages.  There are 3 ways to visit Watershed:

• Food and Beverage Only - No fee

• Pump Track and Jump Line- FEES SUSPENDED FOR FALL AND WINTER., but you still need a waiver.

• Waterfront Hangout and Swim - FEES SUSPENDED FOR FALL AND WINTER 2025-2026! We do still require a waiver.

• Bike Park (all bike riding) - Day, Month and Year options (click “Buy a Pass” button above)

As of October 8, 2025, we serve beer on site.

The Watershed was previously BYOB, but guests are no longer allowed to bring off-site alcohol onto the premises.

If you’re visiting only for food, beverage or music, you do not need a waiver. If you are riding a bike or visiting down by the waterfront, then you do need a waiver on file. Watershed is a large property with water, lawn and bike recreation.  All activities are “at your own risk”. We will keep your waiver on file electronically for a calendar year.

Waivers for Minors MUST be signed by a legal parent or guardian. ONLY legal parents or guardians may sign for minors. We cannot make exceptions for this rule. Thanks for understanding.

Please see a staff member to get your waiver signed!

Yes, there are 3 reservable “hangouts” along the river.  Scroll up to the section where you buy passes and select “Add Ons”.

Hangouts include: 2 picnic tables, hammock tie loops, shade cloth, and a trash can and will accommodate up to 18 people (more can be added by special request).

Yes! In accordance with the waiver that you signed, you must wear a properly fitting helmet whenever you are on a bike. Gotta sport that brain bucket. No helmet needed for eating, drinking or river chillin’.

Yes, we have a fleet of e-MTB and dirt jump bikes.  Our current fleet of eMTB features the Intense Taser Pro which is a mullet 29/27.5 with 160 front/ 150 rear travel and the Shimano Steps ep800 motor.  Rent for the day and return whenever you are done.

We also have Kona Shonkey dirt jumper bikes available for the pump track and dirt jump lines.

CLICK HERE TO RENT BIKES- COMING SOON

Bikes must stay on property at all times.

Watershed Bike Park does not offer shuttle service for park trails. We do offer an easy climb trail and we welcome AND rent e-bikes.

Mountain Top Shuttles offers Pisgah National Forest access from Watershed to Kitsuma Trail on a limited basis (click “Buy a Pass” for options) COMING SOON. Riders meet at Watershed, get shuttled to the Kitsuma upper trailhead and then ride back to Watershed afterwards for more trails, food, beverage and river hangout.

Watershed’s Phase 1 trails are accessible via our climber trails with average grades of 9-10% making them climbable for all ability levels. 

Our trail network was ‘built to lap’ with the climb to the top taking 6-12 minutes. Front Hill trails are intentionally short and sessionable so you can ride, repeat and level up your skills.

If you’re less into climbing, try renting one of our eMTB or bring your own!

Sunscreen, a water bottle, a change of clothes, water shoes or sandals, lawn chairs, a beach towel - think day at the beach!  We’ve got your food and non alcoholic beverages covered.

We do not permit outside food other than snacks for the little ones.

Basecamp has a multitude of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available.

See our food menu here COMING SOON

Our MTB trails are professionally maintained by our local team of builders and riders and can be ridden in every condition except ‘freeze-thaw’ condition in the winter.

*Pump Track and Dirt Jumps will be closed when wet and will reopen as soon as conditions allow.  In some cases this can be as soon as a few hours after rain.  Much depends on water saturation over time.

We welcome pedal assist e-bikes at Foothills Watershed! We cannot allow e-bikes that do not have pedals and cranks. Enjoy!

1. Obtain a pass and sign a waiver first!

2. Watch for other riders and maintain control at all times. 

3. Stay on marked trails and obey all signs. 

4. Be visible. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail. 

5. Yield to others when entering or crossing a trail. 

6. Know your limits. Start small and work your way up.

7. Be aware of how the weather impacts trails and follow all trail closure signs. 

8. Hiking is only permitted on designated hiking trails. You may not hike on biking trails. 

9. Drones are prohibited. No exceptions!

10. E - MTB are allowed, but not e - motos like (Surron, Ampeg, Segway).  Bikes must have pedals and cranks.

11. Biking under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Please ride first and consume alcohol after!

12. Have Fun. Be Safe!

The green circle, blue square, and black diamond indicate different degrees of difficulty.

• Green Circle: Beginner. Trails for every rider regardless of experience level. 

• Blue Square: Intermediate. Technical rides with increased difficulty. 

• Black Diamond: Advanced. Higher difficulty. Steep descents and big jumps. 

Double-Black Diamond: Expert. The most difficult trails. Drops, jumps, very steep or technical.

Catawba Falls is only 2 miles away and downtown Old Fort is less than a mile. 

If outdoor adventure is your thing, we’ve got you covered.  Pisgah National Forest surrounds our area on 3 sides. World class fishing is available along Curtis Creek Road.  Go to www.destinationmcdowell.com for local recommendations or visit their physical location downtown at 91 S Catawba Avenue for more ideas.

Downtown Old Fort boasts art studios like Arrowhead Artists League, galleries like NANU, Gateway Museum, breweries, coffee shops, bike shop, bike suspension shop, water craft shop and more. Take time to explore our mountain town.