It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Rural Heritage Museum in Mars Hill, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Mars Hill, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always come out once a while to make sure everything is okay.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The people they have sent have been pretty good. They make it positive by taking care of my daily needs.”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mars Hill Recreation Park in Mars Hill, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Star Diner or visit Vance Birthplace, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Mars Hill, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Mars Hill, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Mars Hill, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
North Carolina has nationally ranked college football teams at three different levels heading into Week 6 of the 2026 season.Duke remains in the FBS Coaches Poll, Campbell continues to climb in both major FCS polls and unbeaten Mars Hill has moved into the top 20 of the Division II coaches rankings.Three other teams from the state are knocking on the door: Wake Forest, Elon and Johnson C. Smith.Here is where North Carolina’s college football teams stand in the latest national rankings released Sunday and Monday....
North Carolina has nationally ranked college football teams at three different levels heading into Week 6 of the 2026 season.
Duke remains in the FBS Coaches Poll, Campbell continues to climb in both major FCS polls and unbeaten Mars Hill has moved into the top 20 of the Division II coaches rankings.
Three other teams from the state are knocking on the door: Wake Forest, Elon and Johnson C. Smith.
Here is where North Carolina’s college football teams stand in the latest national rankings released Sunday and Monday.
Duke (4-0) is No. 23 in the latest AFCA Coaches Poll and received 83 votes in the Associated Press Top 25, leaving the Blue Devils just outside that ranking.
Wake Forest (4-1) is also receiving significant national attention. The Demon Deacons received 142 votes in the AP poll and 87 in the Coaches Poll.
No other North Carolina FBS program received votes in either poll.
There is also a notable Week 6 connection: Pittsburgh (5-0) entered the rankings at No. 25 in the AP poll and No. 24 in the Coaches Poll. The Panthers host North Carolina on Saturday.
Campbell (5-1) continues to move up the national rankings following Saturday’s 38-31 victory at North Carolina Central.
The Camels climbed to No. 17 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and No. 20 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. Campbell’s only loss came against an FBS opponent, and the Camels remain unbeaten against FCS competition. Campbell made its first-ever appearance in a national Top 25 poll a few weeks ago.
Elon (4-2) received votes in both national polls despite a 30-23 loss at New Hampshire. The Phoenix return home Saturday to face Wofford.
Western Carolina also received votes in the Stats Perform poll following its 44-20 win over a Top 10 Tennessee Tech squad. Tennessee Tech went from No. 9 to No. 15 in the Stats Perform poll and from No. 8 to No. 16 in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
Mars Hill (5-0) continues to climb after surviving Tusculum 42-40 in four overtimes Saturday.
The Lions moved up one spot to No. 20 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll and are No. 21 in the D2Football.com Top 25.
Mars Hill is the only remaining undefeated Division II program in North Carolina.
Johnson C. Smith received two votes in the AFCA poll but remains outside the Top 25.The Golden Bulls have won four in a row since falling to Benedict in its season opener.
North Carolina teams will have several opportunities to strengthen their national standing in Week 6. Duke visits Georgia Tech, Mars Hill travels to Emory & Henry and Elon hosts Wofford. Campbell has a bye. Johnson C. Smith hosts 4-2 Shaw.
MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said two men have been arrested on felony charges after numerous complaints came in about products being sold that are attractive and accessible to young people.Deputies said 54-year-old Aaron Gosnell, of Hot Springs, and 39-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Al Raayani, of Mars Hill, were arrested after search warrants were executed this weekend.Gosnell was charged with:Raayani was charged with:Deputies said in addition to search warrant seizure...
MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said two men have been arrested on felony charges after numerous complaints came in about products being sold that are attractive and accessible to young people.
Deputies said 54-year-old Aaron Gosnell, of Hot Springs, and 39-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Al Raayani, of Mars Hill, were arrested after search warrants were executed this weekend.
Gosnell was charged with:
Raayani was charged with:
Deputies said in addition to search warrant seizures, a stolen firearm was also recovered.
“The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that this is a much larger issue than simply the sale of individual products. A growing industry has developed around substances designed to produce a pleasurable or intoxicating effect, with significant profits being generated from consumers who can quickly develop dependence. When our children become the target market, the consequences extend far beyond an individual purchase—they affect families, schools, public safety, and the future of our community,” the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies said investigators have been working to develop cases involving numerous sellers throughout the county. These investigations required time, resources and careful attention to establish violations and build cases that can withstand scrutiny.
The search warrants represent the first wave of enforcement efforts by the sheriff’s office and municipalities to address the availability and sale of these products in our community, deputies said.
Officers from Mars Hill and Marshall, as well as a special agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation executed the search warrant, according to deputies.
Deputies said the investigations are ongoing with multiple related offenses. Investigators are working with state and federal authorities to identify all potential co-conspirators.
More charges are forthcoming. Deputies said they will continue investigating businesses and people who violate the law and place these products within easy reach of children.
“Our children are not a market. Their health, safety, and future are worth fighting for,” the sheriff’s office said.
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MARS HILL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Norfolk Southern and Trust for Public Land are collaborating with local leaders and community members on a 137-acre land preservation project at Bailey Mountain in Mars Hill, N.C.The project, led by national conservation nonprofit Trust for Public Land and supported through the Norfolk Southern Trail Activation Fund, plans to revamp the former Bailey Mountain Bike Park into a multi-use recreation space for the public.The project is one among several Norfolk Southern philanthropic preservatio...
MARS HILL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Norfolk Southern and Trust for Public Land are collaborating with local leaders and community members on a 137-acre land preservation project at Bailey Mountain in Mars Hill, N.C.
The project, led by national conservation nonprofit Trust for Public Land and supported through the Norfolk Southern Trail Activation Fund, plans to revamp the former Bailey Mountain Bike Park into a multi-use recreation space for the public.
The project is one among several Norfolk Southern philanthropic preservation efforts.
“We feel strongly about supporting our communities, and helping them find sustainable solutions and increase access to vibrant green spaces, and that’s where our partnership with Trust for Public Land began, back in 2022,” said Kristin Wong, director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation. “We really just had a shared goal of creating more equal access to green spaces and trails across these 22 different states where we operate.”
“The work on Bailey Mountain, it’s a community driven, conservation and outdoor recreation activation effort,” explained Noel Durant, Tennessee State Director of TPL. “What was the former Bailey Mountain Bike Park property, which was on the western flank of Bailey Mountain, was listed for sale, and we were approached by a group of residents, who said, ‘We want to protect this parcel. We see it as important for the protection of Bailey Mountain,’ which is like the iconic public space for Mars Hill.”
Durant explained that, because of existing infrastructure of bike trails on the Bailey Mountain land, the acquisition would provide the ability to form accessible entry points for effective stewardship.
“As more and more people are getting out and recreating on public lands, public land managers need to have quality access points, and this property creates a really interesting opportunity for management because the other parcels are completely sort of undeveloped from a road network,” Durant elaborated. “There is a really high quality road network that can be used by the stewardship partners – the Friends of Bailey Mountain, the town of Mars Hill – to ensure that that all of Bailey Mountain is being well-stewarded for generations to come.”
There is still a lot of work left to do before the project sees completion, Durant said.
Fundraising is one big item. TPL will need to raise around $1,674,000 for the land acquisition. Durant said the nonprofit hopes to tackle the sum through a combination of Norfolk Southern support, grants, state recreation funding and public fundraising efforts.
“We’re moving as quickly as we can. We have a landowner who’s been really, really willing to work with us on timing, but again, with a listed property, there’s an opportunity cost to a conservation transaction, and we’re trying to kind of meet in the middle,” Durant said. “A good project with the right funding, a landowner who’s supportive and a community that’s coming alongside to help us raise the remaining funds.”
After the acquisition is accomplished, the land will require an evaluation to determine what portions of the bike park can be easily converted into public trails.
“It was one of the most challenging downhill mountain bike courses in the East Coast, and I think it’s probably a little bit more than the town of Mars Hill could manage, that level of specific mountain biking infrastructure,” Durant said. “So, right now, the Friends of Bailey Mountain, Madison County Conservancy are doing a trails inventory to see what are the existing trails that could be adapted to a more multi-use format.”
The stewardship organizations will then be able to work with the town of Mars Hill to make physical improvements to the trails in order to promote accessibility “for folks who might not be, you know, pro downhill mountain bikers on the weekend,” Durant said.
The TPL director estimated that the transfer of the project into town of Mars Hill custody would be between late fall 2026 and spring 2027, depending on the timing of public grant funding.
MARS HILL, N.C. (WLOS) — There have been thousands of players who have come through the Mars Hill football program over the last three decades, but when it comes to the coaching staff, three have been there along the way.“It’s really like having like a grandparent in a good way, you know. They pass down all this knowledge that it’s just for us to soak up," Russell Barnett, senior defensive lineman, said.Head Coach Kevin Barnette enters his 39th season with the program, though, his head coaching titl...
MARS HILL, N.C. (WLOS) — There have been thousands of players who have come through the Mars Hill football program over the last three decades, but when it comes to the coaching staff, three have been there along the way.
“It’s really like having like a grandparent in a good way, you know. They pass down all this knowledge that it’s just for us to soak up," Russell Barnett, senior defensive lineman, said.
Head Coach Kevin Barnette enters his 39th season with the program, though, his head coaching title is much more new. It is his second season leading the program.
“Last year, was like, the transition was within a day, so really got in the groove like mid way into the season," Barnette said.
That quick transition was felt when it mattered most, with the team finishing 5-6. This season, the Lions are relying on improvement from across the board, including from players like Charlie Guinade, senior wide receiver, and reigning All-SAC First-Team recipient.
“It's definitely a feeling of pressure, but to be completely honest with you, I love the pressure. I see it as an opportunity just to go and prove why I have been selected and just an opportunity to back that up and prove to everybody in the conference that I’m here,” Guinade said.
That leadership from the upperclassmen extends both on and off the field.
Barnett, a former A.C. Reynolds Rocket, knows that firsthand.
“I know a lot of guys look to me, they ask me a lot of questions. Sometimes I’m not ready for it, but you know, I try to answer them as best as possible, and I try to lead by example, more than lead by what I say," Barnett said.
Now, as the team prepares for the start of the season, players said the way last season turned out is motivating them to do better, while Coach Barnette said making positive steps every day is what will have this team ready for Saturday's match up at Winston-Salem.
“They're about the blue and gold, kids are very hungry and I think that they really want to do something real special,” Barnette said.
Click here, to view Mars Hill's 2026 football schedule.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne women's volleyball team returned to action after having a week off, traveling to Mars Hill for their first road conference game of the 2026 season. LR started slow to open the match and had to came back from a 11-3 deficit to win the first set. They then cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set before finishing the sweep off in 28-26 fashion in the third.Emmaleigh Allen continued her hot start to her senior year with her second game of the season with 15 ki...
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne women's volleyball team returned to action after having a week off, traveling to Mars Hill for their first road conference game of the 2026 season. LR started slow to open the match and had to came back from a 11-3 deficit to win the first set. They then cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set before finishing the sweep off in 28-26 fashion in the third.
Emmaleigh Allen continued her hot start to her senior year with her second game of the season with 15 kills. Rachael Chambers added 11 kills while Addison Vary reached double-digit in kills for the first time this season with 10.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP: Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 3, Mars Hill 0 (25-23, 25-17, 28-26) Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (4-2, 2-0 SAC), Mars Hill (6-4 1-1 SAC) Location: Mars Hill, N.C. I Chambers Gymnasium
STORY OF THE MATCH:
STATS OF THE MATCH:
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
UP NEXT: Lenoir-Rhyne will continue this weekend with a trip to Tusculum tomorrow afternoon. The Pioneers lost a heart breaker tonight in five sets to Catawba, falling to 4-3 on the season and 1-2 in the SAC. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Greeneville, Tennessee.
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