Braden Burnside is a 19-year-old sophomore at Marshall University and a proud resident of Hurricane, West Virginia. Raised in the United States with a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, Braden discovered his love for trails through Scouts BSA, where countless camping trips and hikes helped shape his connection to nature.

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An Eagle Scout, Braden considers earning that honor one of his greatest achievements. The journey taught him perseverance, leadership, and the satisfaction of building something meaningful—qualities he brings with him to the MMTA Junior Board.

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Braden comes from a family deeply rooted in public service and communication. He is the son of Randy Burnside, Executive Director of the DC Lottery, and Michele McKnight, Assistant Director of External Affairs at Marshall Health. He credits them for instilling strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement. His younger sister, Gillian, remains one of his closest friends and biggest supporters.

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Currently majoring in Filmmaking, Braden spends much of his time studying films, creating art, and exploring storytelling across multiple mediums. He is also a multi-instrumentalist involved in various musical ensembles, and he enjoys writing poetry and prose—often inspired by the relationship between humans and nature. Though he doesn’t have pets now, he fondly remembers the hermit crabs he once named after fast food restaurants.

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Braden joined the MMTA Junior Board to give back to a trail system he feels fortunate to have right in his backyard. He hopes to help more people—regardless of skill or experience—discover the joy of being outdoors. Whether someone wants to run, bike, hike, or simply explore, he believes Meeks Mountain Trails offers something for everyone.

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For Braden, trails provide the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation. He loves hiking while making photographs, introducing friends to the red-white trails, and savoring the memories of biking fast down muddy hills in the rain. If he had to choose just one trail activity forever, he’d pick biking for the exhilaration and unforgettable moments it’s brought him.

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Inspired by Salvador Dalí’s reminder that “Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it,” Braden approaches life with creativity, curiosity, and a desire to help others enjoy the outdoors as much as he does.