Rutherford County Top 30 Things to Do
Rutherford County sits in the Blue Ridge Foothills, close to Asheville, with towns including Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Forest City, and Rutherfordton. Explore dramatic Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock State Park, where a 500-million-year-old monolith towers above hiking trails and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls. Paddle Lake Lure's calm waters, walk trails through the foothills, or tour historic downtown Rutherfordton.
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.
Holidays in Rutherford County
Forest City transforms into a Top Christmas Town each holiday season with Hometown Holidays. Main Street glows with a million lights wrapped around live oak trees and hanging overhead, centered on the town fountain. Bundle up with hot chocolate and hop on a weekend carriage ride through the magical display.
Discover More! Visit the Rutherford County tourism office website for more attractions, great places to stay, and to plan your visit.
Plan Your Trip to Rutherford County, NC
Lodging
Lake Lure & Rutherford County Guide Things to Do in Rutherford County
FAB Fest, Spring Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… More Information
Rutherfordton
Explore one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, with historic antebellum homes and a downtown filled with shops, restaurants and one of the best children's museums in the state. And it'…
Forest City
Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American. Every winter, the Forest City’s Hometown Holidays celebration lights up…
Chimney Rock Park
Children, ideally ages 5-12, explore nature-based, hands-on activities at this state park with trails, rock climbing, animals and more. They offer two birthday party packages that include…
Rutherford County Outdoors
The scenic foothills of Rutherford County include the towns of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City, and more! Explore the expansive outdoors surrounding these small towns including… More Information
St. Paddy's Saturday Party in Lake Lure
Celtic cheer at this Lake Lure tavern all afternoon and evening! Celtic Cairde performs classic Irish session music 4–6 pm, followed by The Seelie Court 6–8 pm with traditional rhythms, masterful… More Information
Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Bike, jog and walk the 13.5 paved rail-to-trail path that connects the towns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City - with plenty to see along the way.
KidsSenses, Rutherfordton
This large, interactive space in Rutherfordton offers fun indoor and outdoor exhibits where kids can learn and stimulate imagination through hands-on playing. There are 14 different… More Information
Chimney Rock Park Hikes
(1 to 4 miles, easy to strenuous) Hike a variety of trails with spectacular views of Hickory Nut Gorge or a 400-foot waterfall. Often overlooked, the challenging Four Seasons Trail begins near the…
Find Your Trail in Rutherford County
You'll find some of your favorite trails in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the Blue Ridge Foothills, all close to Asheville, NC. There’s a trail for everyone: bikers, hikers, paddlers, walkers, and… More Information
Lake Lure & Rutherford County Guide
Order a free copy of the award-winning travel guide to the Rutherford County foothills that includes Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City and much more!
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Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum
Named “Best Museum in the Nation” by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), see a big variety of 70 vehicles representing decades of history. Located in Forest City and Rutherford County…
Lake Lure & Rutherford County Welcome Center
Stop by for free travel guides, brochures and advice for fun in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Rutherford County. See a display of movies filmed here, including Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans… More Information
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Check back for 2026 dates and details! See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides.…
Rutherford County Campgrounds
See the Top 10 places to camp in the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Forest City areas in the foothills, including RV and motorcoach resorts. Find a big variety of campground amenities with many… More Information
Thermal City Gold & Gem Mine
Visit this authentic gold mine and travel back to the 1800s gold rush. Pan for gold and gems, talk to a real prospector and explore the "Old West" buildings with plenty of interesting things to…
The Foundation Performing Arts Center
The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale (just 3 miles from Forest City, NC) and features an impressive Mainstage… More Information
Bechtler House & Gold Mint Site
In 1832, Christopher Bechtler minted the America's first one-dollar gold coin in Rutherfordton, 17 years before the U.S. Mint. During the mid-1800s, the Bechtlers minted more than $2.24 million in…
Small Town Christmas, Rutherfordton
Held the first Saturday in December with many events along Main Street throughout the day. Shop sidewalk vendors at the Christmas Market from 1-5 PM and stroll by the storefront windows featuring… More Information
Alexander's Ford Overmountain Trail
(1.5 miles, easy) Hike a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail that was used for by local militia heading to an important battle in the Revolutionary War.
Rutherford County Lodging
Lodging options around Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and the Blue Ridge Foothills range from lakeside cottages and historic downtown bed and breakfasts to all-inclusive resorts. Find accommodations… More Information