2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina — and September is Year of the Trail Month in Rutherford County!
Throughout the year, events will be held in every county, including special events in State Parks, guided trail experiences, clean-ups, celebrations, and more. Rutherford County invites you to celebrate the Year of the Trail by exploring the Great Outdoors of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the Blue Ridge Foothills. From the incredible beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge and the Blue Ridge Mountains to quaint main streets, this beautiful area provides endless trail opportunities for all ages.
Rutherford County Year of the Trail Events
- Amazing Race - September 9, 2023 - Teams will race from station to station by bicycle or on foot seeking out their next clue in a game of wits, local history knowledge, and team-building, all while getting a good workout!
- ROC River Clean-up - September 19, 2023 - Participate in a special Year of the Trail River Cleanup to clean up section 5 of the Broad River.
- National Public Lands Day Sunset Hike - September 23, 2023 - Take part in an after-hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney with one of the original stewards of the park.
- National Public Lands Day Campfire Celebration - September 23, 2023 - Celebrate with a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail.
- 15th Annual Flock to the Rock - September 30, 2023 - This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest-growing hobbies – bird watching!
- Upper Boulders Trail Ribbon Cutting - September 30, 2023 - Join the Town of Lake Lure and the Carolina Climbers Coalition for the grand opening of the Upper Boulders Trail in Buffalo Creek Park.
There's so much more to see and do in Rutherford County! Here are more ways to celebrate the Year of the Trail and get outdoors this year.
Walk & Hike
See the sights, and soak up the great outdoors at these popular trails and hikes in Rutherford County, NC.
- Thermal Belt Rail Trail: 13.5 mile, 12' wide paved trail that connects the five small towns at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ruth, Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Forest City.
- Purple Martin Trail: 2-mile, 10-foot wide paved trail that connects Kiwanis Park and Crestview Park.
- Chimney Rock State Park: 4+ miles of multiple trails that range in difficulty.
- Young's Mountain Trail: 4.2-mile round-trip hike where, at the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Lure and the sheer rock faces of Rumbling Bald, Shumont Mountain, and Eagle Rock.
Bike
Pedal your way along paved flat surfaces or challenge yourself with dirt trails through the trees.
- Buffalo Creek Park: A 3.5-mile loop designed with mountain bikers in mind, it features banked turns, rollers, and berms.
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail: 8.6-mile trail extending from the highest point on the Buffalo Creek Park blue loop up the Eagle Rock, where you get an incredible view of the surrounding mountains.
Paddle
Discover the beauty of Rutherford County's blueways and scenic waterways.
- Broad River Paddle Trail: 49 miles of multiple trails that consist of 12 sections starting below Lake Lure.
- Morse Park Trails: The park is conveniently located next to the Welcome Center, Washburn Marina, and Lake Lure Tours.
Climb
The Rutherford County area is one of the few that offers bouldering opportunities.
- Chimney Rock Boulders Trail: A short but challenging hike up to an incredible view of Chimney Rock Mountain and Hickory Nut Gorge. More than 50 boulder problems for climbers as well.
- Rumbling Bald Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail in Chimney Rock State Park takes you to the boulder fields and base of the cliffs of Rumbling Bald Mountain that towers over Lake Lure.
Ride
Rutherford County offers equestrian fans astonishing views in a peaceful environment on safe trails.
- Riverside Riding Stables: Offers something for everyone, young, old, experienced, or inexperienced riders. They have one-hour guided trail rides and two-hour river rides.
