Rutherfordton City Manager Doug Barrick, Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber, and Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason welcomed WLOS (Asheville, NC) to film several installments of their popular Road Trippin' segment.
In an episode especially dedicated to discussing Rutherford Bound initiatives occurring in the Main Street Region (Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City), WLOS spoke briefly about several accomplishments completed during Rutherford Bound Phase One.
They also covered upcoming projects that have been identified for Rutherford Bound Phase Two, like The Factory in Rutherfordton, the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track, and the Forest City Farmer's Market/ Park Square Depot.
You can watch all of the WLOS Road Trippin' segments filmed in Rutherford County by visiting their website.
Rutherfordton City Manager Doug Barrick, Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber, and Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason welcomed WLOS (Asheville, NC) to film several installments of their popular Road Trippin' segment.
In an episode especially dedicated to discussing Rutherford Bound initiatives occurring in the Main Street Region (Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City), WLOS spoke briefly about several accomplishments completed during Rutherford Bound Phase One.
They also covered upcoming projects that have been identified for Rutherford Bound Phase Two, like The Factory in Rutherfordton, the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track, and the Forest City Farmer's Market/ Park Square Depot.
You can watch all of the WLOS Road Trippin' segments filmed in Rutherford County by visiting their website.
Rutherford Bound is entering into Phase Two, an amazing opportunity for all of the communities in Rutherford County to come together and continue to improve quality of life for visitors and residents alike.
Projects like the Broad River Paddle Trail, the Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track, and expanded streetscapes in Chimney Rock Village and Spindale will continue to be developed, opening up both outdoor recreation and economic development opportunities county-wide. Watch the following video to learn what's next for Rutherford County!
Recently, Monte Vega, the owner of Small Town Coffee Roasters, sat down with the Rutherford Bound team to talk about why he supports the Kiwanis Park project in Rutherfordton.
The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA), along with the Town of Lake Lure and Conserving Carolina, has continued to develop mountain biking opportunities in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Specifically, purpose-built trails for mountain biking on Weed Patch Mountain and an expanded parking lot at Buffalo Creek Park (part of the Rutherford Bound initiative) are drastically increasing access in the area.
Buffalo Creek Park provides the perfect 1/2-day mountain biking adventure! The park's tight and twisty bermed turns feature a moderate elevation change, with the 3.5 mile main loop trail connecting to the larger Weed Patch Mountain Trail. Currently, the parking lot at Buffalo Creek Park is under construction -- expanding from a small, six-space lot and eventually accommodating 54 parked vehicles. This improvement is funded by the RCTDA as part of the Rutherford Bound initiative and serves visitors to both Buffalo Creek Park and the Weed Patch Mountain Trail.
To turn a 1/2- day Buffalo Creek Park adventure into a full-day, add in Weed Patch Mountain Trail! The award-winning 8.6 mile trail is one of the most exciting backcountry adventures in WNC, traversing rugged mountain terrain through a remote wilderness area. Bikers will cut off of the Buffalo Creek Loop Trail and end at Eagle Rock (Weed Patch is the first public access trail to Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park). This trail is difficult terrain and experienced mountain bikers will enjoy the steep switchbacks and long trail. For a fast downhill ride, park in the Eagle Rock parking area and ride the trail all the way down to the Buffalo Creek Loop.
Rutherford County is home to a myriad of walking, hiking, and biking options, including easy-going rides along area Greenways. The Rutherford Bound Master Plan continues to build and improve opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
For hikers and cyclists looking for a pleasant, easy trip (or for families with young children), the Purple Martin Greenway (PMG) is the perfect place to explore wildlife, creeks, waterfalls, and local plant life along the two-mile, paved trail. The PMG is kid, pet, and bike friendly and features shady trails and a picnic shelter alongside Cleghorn Creek. The Greenway connects Kiwanis Park and Crestview Park and runs parallel to Main Street in downtown Rutherfordton, NC.
Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT)
What began a decade ago as a grassroots effort to develop a Rail Trail along the out-of-service Old Southern Railway tracks has now emerged as a popular 13.5 mile paved trail spanning four municipalities, thanks to a concerted community effort from Rutherford County. Currently, as part of the Rutherford Bound initiative, the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority is working to provide extensive enhancements along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, including public art and gateways inviting users to visit the various communities along the trail, improved aesthetics, additional landscaping, pocket parks and more.
Visitors to the TBRT enjoy a flat path with numerous access points along the trail, allowing users to either choose a short journey or complete the entire 27-mile round trip. A natural canopy provides lots of shade along the way and seven devoted parking areas ensure a seamless transition onto the trail. Recently, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail was featured on PBS: North Carolina Weekend as an example of how Rail Trails can connect communities and engage citizens.
