Haywood County -- August 3, 2026: Haywood County is making a long-term investment in both its residents and its economy with the opening of Raccoon Creek Bike Park, a new outdoor recreation destination designed to serve local families while attracting visitors from across the region.
Located on Francis Farm Road in Waynesville, the approximately 19-acre park transforms the site of the former Francis Farm landfill into a vibrant community asset featuring a professionally designed bike pump track, bike skills course, adventure playground, walking and biking paths, picnic shelters, open green space, restrooms and gathering areas. The project was made possible through a combination of Haywood County funding, state grants, support from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, Mountain Credit Union and other community partners.
The park will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free community event featuring food trucks, a live DJ, family activities, local exhibitors, giveaways and demonstrations by professional freestyle BMX rider Angie Marino. The first 200 attendees will receive complimentary Kona Ice, and county officials are encouraging residents from throughout Western North Carolina to attend.
While the new facility provides a valuable recreational amenity for Haywood County residents, officials also see it as an important economic development project that will strengthen the county's growing outdoor recreation economy.
Outdoor recreation has become one of Western North Carolina's most significant economic drivers, with visitors increasingly seeking destinations that combine scenic mountain landscapes with family-friendly activities. County leaders believe Raccoon Creek Bike Park will complement Haywood County's existing outdoor attractions while encouraging visitors to spend additional time exploring the area.
That increased visitation is expected to benefit local hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, retail stores, convenience stores, bicycle shops and other small businesses throughout Haywood County. Families visiting for a day of riding are likely to extend their stay by dining locally, shopping downtown or exploring nearby attractions in Waynesville, Maggie Valley and surrounding communities.
The park also represents an investment in Haywood County residents. Designed for riders of varying ages and skill levels, the facility offers a place where children can safely develop cycling skills, teenagers can improve their abilities, adults can stay active and families can spend time outdoors together. County leaders hope the park becomes a year-round gathering place that promotes healthy lifestyles while strengthening community connections.
Just weeks after opening, Raccoon Creek Bike Park will receive international attention when it hosts the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier on Saturday, Sept. 12. The event will make Haywood County the only East Coast qualifying venue in the international series, bringing competitive riders and spectators from across the eastern United States and beyond.
Hosting a qualifying event of this caliber places Haywood County on the international cycling map and is expected to generate additional business for lodging providers, restaurants and retailers as athletes, families and spectators travel to the region. Competitors who qualify will advance toward the UCI Pump Track World Championships, further raising the profile of both the park and the county.
Visit Haywood officials have described the park as an important addition to the county's outdoor recreation offerings, complementing existing mountain biking destinations while introducing a pump track and skills course that appeal to riders of all experience levels. Together, these amenities strengthen Haywood County's reputation as a destination for both recreational cycling and competitive events.
Beyond its economic impact, Raccoon Creek Bike Park reflects a broader vision of investing in quality of life. By transforming a former landfill into a modern recreation facility, Haywood County has created a space where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors while supporting local businesses and the region's tourism economy.
As Western North Carolina continues to grow as an outdoor recreation destination, Raccoon Creek Bike Park stands as an example of how thoughtful public investment can benefit an entire community. From local families looking for a fun weekend activity to cyclists traveling from across the country, the park is expected to become a year-round destination that contributes to Haywood County's economic vitality while creating lasting opportunities for recreation, tourism and community engagement.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Raccoon Creek Bike Park, Francis Farm Road, Waynesville, North Carolina
Grand Opening: Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Features: Pump track, bike skills course, adventure playground, walking and biking paths, picnic shelters, restrooms and open green space.
Upcoming Event: Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier — Saturday, Sept. 12.
Image: Haywood County Parks and Recreation