We've pushed this exciting event back one day to Thursday, August 13, so members attending The Great Trails State Conference can also participate!
Join us for a special preview of Beacon Bike Park and Beacon Park, which opens in Fall 2026. The park will host community green spaces, a walking track, playground, pavilions, a world-class bike park, bouldering walls, and an event lawn. Located just minutes from downtown Asheville on the site of the former Beacon Blanket Factory in Swannanoa, NC, the parks are a project of The Beacon Foundation, with support from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority's Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF). Bring your bike and be one of the first to ride the pump track and trails!
Please park on site. You can enter through the construction entrance on Richmond Avenue, approximately 400' on the right after turning onto Richmond Avenue from Whitson Avenue. There will be signs to follow, and someone will be assisting with parking. Please do not drive further down Richmond Avenue out of respect for our neighbors. Use caution on site as it is an active construction area.
Google Maps Link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WPActLtjn1vanxXU7
Add the event to your calendar.
About Our Hosts:
The Beacon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 2022 with a goal of revitalizing the historic Beacon Manufacturing mill site in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Beacon Park, currently under construction on the former mill site, will be a community park with a bike park, bouldering walls, and an event venue. Revenue generated from special events and park operations will sustain the facility and support non-profit partners and organizations in the Swannanoa Valley and Western North Carolina.
At this time, all funds donated to the Beacon Foundation will be used to support individuals and organizations in Swannanoa and the greater Western North Carolina region.
Catalyst Sports is a chapter based 501c3 nonprofit that provides people with physical disabilities access to outdoor adventures within a supportive and inclusive community. Catalyst Sports adaptive mountain bike program is based in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Other local programs include monthly climbing along with seasonal programs in partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park that include ranger lead biking, hikes utilizing off-road wheelchairs, and camping. 2026 marks our 15th anniversary and part of that celebration is working to expand programs that we offer in other chapters to WNC. If you are interested in joining the WNC Catalyst Advisory board chat with Shane at the next OBA Social.
