Tucked at the edge of Old Fort’s wild backcountry and vibrant community life, Foothills Watershed has quickly become one of the region’s most compelling gathering places. Just minutes from downtown, this 117-acre riverside retreat is equal parts bike park, backyard hangout, and culinary destination. Founded by Casey and Amanda McKissick of Foothills Local Meats, Watershed is designed so families, riders, and friends don’t have to split up to follow their passions: grab a day pass and some chef-driven eats, then choose your own adventure – whether that’s dropping into gravity trails, floating in the river, or relaxing on the lawn.
In this month’s OBA Member Spotlight, we sit down with Casey to learn how Watershed grew from a family vision into a full-fledged community hub, how trail-building and land stewardship guide every decision, and what’s next on the horizon; from expanded trail offerings to the debut of their new brewery.
1. Foothills Watershed brings together biking, food, and community in such a unique way. Can you share the story behind how this idea came to life and what vision drives the space today?
Throughout our 22 years in the food and beverage business, we’ve focused on creating experiences that we love personally and that vibe with our family and values. The Watershed is built to allow the entire family to have an adventurous and fun filled day together, even if those specific interests are varied. We know of few other places where some of the group can ride gnarly gravity trails while others lounge by the river, sip craft brews and enjoy chef driven foods while kids play in the sandbox or run around in the field. Everyone can do their own thing and then meet back up for a meal and some live music in the evening, sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows. That’s what our family calls a good time and we’re betting others do too.
As with all our projects, our kids are a source of inspiration- our teenage boys are very much into bikes and trail and jump building. They work with us at the Watershed almost daily. A family business is a great learning tool for young people.
2. The park blends outdoor recreation with gathering spaces and local food. How do you hope this mix impacts the local community and visiting riders?
We are currently expanding the bike park, with Elevated Trail Designs, to include more advanced and longer trails from the high ridge above us, just below Wildcat Mountain. This plan also includes green and blue trails that fit in with our Phase 1 offering which are very much geared toward rider progression. These first trails are easily lappable and offer multiple lines so that riders can repeat and master. We are expanding our rental bike fleet to include bikes for younger riders and true beginners, as well. Our new skills loop and beginner lessons will allow more new riders to be turned on to biking- that’s a big goal for the community- to make mountain biking more approachable and to encourage access for all type of riders. We’ve spent the last year developing a very solid live music program and other community engagement activities- movies, line dancing, yoga, community benefit events and more. Watershed is a place for the community- rider or not. For out of town guests and tourists, we hope it shares a little slice of life here in Old Fort. It’s an amazing community.
3. Trail building and land stewardship seem to be at the heart of Foothills Watershed.
What guiding principles shape how you approach development and sustainability on the property?
I spent about half my adult life being a staunch wilderness advocate and adventure seeker who always wanted to go higher, faster/slower and deeper in the most remote places I could find. The other half of my life I’ve been a stubborn agrarian who worked in many aspects of the industry working to improve small scale agriculture and food processing. My wife and I developed a food business around whole animal butchery and a stubbornness to buy and make food that is better for farmers and eaters. Yes, stewardship of the land and the critters around us is a huge driver for everything we do. The Watershed encourages access to both the wild land and the domestic farm- that is supporting sustainable agriculture through your food choices.
Trails provide access to the wilds. It’s a huge responsibility to punch a new hole into a wild land and invite people into it. Trails must be created and maintained in a sustainable manner and there’s a lot of work that goes into that planning, construction and maintenance. The balance of providing human access with minimal impact on the land is of utmost importance.
4. How have partnerships, through the Outdoor Business Alliance or with other local businesses, supported your growth or helped bring your ideas to life?
OBA membership is a “who’s who” of inspiring entrepreneurs in this region. Seeing the successes of these people and businesses and how that contributes and drives the local economy serves as inspiration daily. Business is tough and rewarding and just knowing and having access to folks who are experiencing the same challenges as we are is invaluable. We know and have known many members personally for years. We know their kids and their stories. It’s an honor to be amongst this crowd. Now that construction is wrapping up, we can’t wait to make it to more social events.
5. You’ve already accomplished a lot with the trails, events, and food offerings. What’s next for Foothills Watershed? Any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
The brewery officially opens near the end of November so that’s a new milestone. Elevated Trail Designs will be working all winter on Phase 2. We’ll be changing our menu up to a new concept that is always a crowd favorite and very near to our hearts, being in the meat business. With the coming winter, we will be hosting movies and music in our 5,000 sqft brewery all winter and trails will be open under most weather conditions. The larger music shows and some pretty exciting bike related events will be on the calendar for 2026 soon. The weekend after Thanksgiving will be a “new trail ride day” and our first bi annual outdoor gear swap that will be free to all vendors.
6. Finally, for those just starting a business rooted in outdoor recreation or land-based experiences what lessons or advice would you share from your own journey?
Know your costs, your market and your liabilities. It’s a tough environment for small businesses right now. Lean on others in your industry who are willing to help you. The network at OBA and in this region in general is an amazing resource that shouldn’t be minimized. You’ve got to get 1,000 things right in an environment that 1 mistake can cost you a lot. Our local economy needs sharp and stubborn entrepreneurs!
