Local officials, stakeholders, and community members from across Rutherford County gathered on Tuesday, September 3rd to celebrate a new public art installation along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT). Featuring the work of local artist and County Manager Steve Garrison, the 450-foot banner now stretches along a well-traveled, highly visible section of the TBRT between Spindale and Forest City.
Mr. Garrison, who cut the ribbon during the ceremony, was recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to Rutherford County. “We're not here to celebrate me. We're here to celebrate art,” he said. “We're here to try to inspire and motivate people that have any kind of creative energies about them to explore what this is and what it could be.”
Bridging the towns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City, The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a 13.5 mile-long paved multi-use trail that welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. The Rutherford Railroad Development Coalition (RRDC)–an alliance of local leaders responsible for the management of the trail–hopes that new artwork will enhance the TBRT and improve the visitor experience for the walkers, runners, bikers, and skateboarders who enjoy it. In May 2022, another banner featuring art from local students was installed along a nearby section of the trail.
“For us, as Rail Trail partners and for the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, it's a monumental day,” proclaimed Doug Barrick, Chairman of the RRDC. “Anytime we can make improvements to our trail system, it's a special day for us. I cannot think of a better artist or a better way to celebrate the community.”
The trail itself is a product of collaboration between local municipalities, organizations, and charitable groups. The RHI Legacy Foundation–whose mission is to make Rutherford County healthier–provided major funding for the initial development of the rail trail, and continues to support its evolution.
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan was adopted in 2021 by the RRDC and identifies areas for improvement, such as trail access & safety measures, signage, landscaping, and public art. The RRDC partnered with Rutherford Bound to complete the public art installation, just one of many areas slated for future enhancements.
At the ceremony, Don Cason, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, commented on the value of the TRBT for both visitors and community members in the County.
“This is a major tourism asset right here, and it's quality of life for our citizens,” said Mr. Cason, “This trail is phenomenal and we're so excited it’s part of Rutherford Bound. We're going to keep focusing on improvements and working with RHI to enhance this trail up and down all 13.5 miles.”
Local officials, stakeholders, and community members from across Rutherford County gathered on Tuesday, September 3rd to celebrate a new public art installation along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT). Featuring the work of local artist and County Manager Steve Garrison, the 450-foot banner now stretches along a well-traveled, highly visible section of the TBRT between Spindale and Forest City.
Mr. Garrison, who cut the ribbon during the ceremony, was recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to Rutherford County. “We're not here to celebrate me. We're here to celebrate art,” he said. “We're here to try to inspire and motivate people that have any kind of creative energies about them to explore what this is and what it could be.”
Bridging the towns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City, The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a 13.5 mile-long paved multi-use trail that welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. The Rutherford Railroad Development Coalition (RRDC)–an alliance of local leaders responsible for the management of the trail–hopes that new artwork will enhance the TBRT and improve the visitor experience for the walkers, runners, bikers, and skateboarders who enjoy it. In May 2022, another banner featuring art from local students was installed along a nearby section of the trail.
“For us, as Rail Trail partners and for the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, it's a monumental day,” proclaimed Doug Barrick, Chairman of the RRDC. “Anytime we can make improvements to our trail system, it's a special day for us. I cannot think of a better artist or a better way to celebrate the community.”
The trail itself is a product of collaboration between local municipalities, organizations, and charitable groups. The RHI Legacy Foundation–whose mission is to make Rutherford County healthier–provided major funding for the initial development of the rail trail, and continues to support its evolution.
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan was adopted in 2021 by the RRDC and identifies areas for improvement, such as trail access & safety measures, signage, landscaping, and public art. The RRDC partnered with Rutherford Bound to complete the public art installation, just one of many areas slated for future enhancements.
At the ceremony, Don Cason, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, commented on the value of the TRBT for both visitors and community members in the County.
“This is a major tourism asset right here, and it's quality of life for our citizens,” said Mr. Cason, “This trail is phenomenal and we're so excited it’s part of Rutherford Bound. We're going to keep focusing on improvements and working with RHI to enhance this trail up and down all 13.5 miles.”
Image Credit: Conserving Carolina
After years of planning and advocacy, the first segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail (WGST) is now being designed and laid out in the mountains of Rutherford County. Once complete, this state trail will begin near Weedpatch Mountain and connect the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail along the South Mountains range to the Catawba River, winding 170 miles through Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, and Catawba Counties.
The WGST will cross remote backcountry areas, intersect local, regional, and state trails, and connect local cityscapes and greenways such as the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.
Plans for the WGST were authorized by the NC General Assembly in 2019, and layout and construction is expected to stretch into the future. As sections are built and receive official designation, they will become available for public use. Trail building takes time and funding. Though backcountry trails seem simple, they often take as long to design, plan, and construct as a building or an urban streetscape.
"Trail development is much like an iceberg in that the majority of it is not seen by most people," said Shane Prisby, Program Director of the Foothills Conservancy. "It is an intensive process of land acquisition, planning, fundraising, permitting, layout, and design. Construction is the last and most visible step in the process and gives only a hint of what lies beneath the surface."
The Foothills Conservancy is one of many trail partners working together to make the WGST a reality. Towns, municipalities, conservationists, and State Parks are all collaborating to execute the plan for the new trail.
As its name implies, the WGST will be a gateway from the towns of Hickory, Conover, Valdese, and Morganton to the scenic wilderness of western North Carolina. The trail will offer recreational opportunities for visitors from across the state and beyond, inviting everyone from long-distance backpackers to families looking for a day of adventure.
Visitors will notice a turtle emblazoned along the WGST trail. This icon pays homage to the Catawba tribe, because much of the trail crosses lands that are home to the Catawba people. Turtles are viewed by the Catawba as protectors of the land and - because state trails are built to conserve natural lands - the icon honors both the Catawba people and the symbolism of the turtle.
The WGST is the newest of 12 state trails in North Carolina - three of which cross through Rutherford County.
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail (HNGST) - Once complete, HNGST will connect Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, Upper Hickory Nut Gorge, Florence Nature Preserve, and other natural features and destinations. It will cover over 50 miles and offer recreation for hikers and mountain bikers. Approximately 17.6 miles of HNGST has been officially designated in Rutherford County. The HNGST is currently in the trail construction phase and is being developed in partnership with Conserving Carolina.
Image Credit: Conserving Carolina
Overmountain Victory State and National Historic Trail (OVST - OVNHT) - The OVNHT traverses 4 states and stretches roughly 330 miles. The trail is named for the path followed by the patriot militia who fought the battle of King's Mountain in 1780 - a battle that turned the tides of the Revolutionary War. The OVST encompasses the OVNHT trail sections that stretch 225 miles from Avery and Wilkes Counties through Mitchell, Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, and Rutherford Counties within North Carolina. The OVST is being developed in partnership with OVSTNC-Friends and the National Park Service.
Image Credit: NPS.gov
Rutherford County is home to some of the most stunning wilderness in North Carolina, from the 360-degree views of Chimney Rock to the serenity of Lake Lure to the rivers and mountains of the South Mountains. State Trails create access to this beautiful wilderness and conserve our natural lands and the wildlife that live there.
It's been a while since we re-introduced ourselves, so we thought it was time to take a deep dive into Rutherford Bound and all of the work we're doing in Rutherford County!
Rutherford Bound is a collaborative effort between the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and the county's towns and municipalities. Through this initiative, these community stakeholders are working together to create a vision for the future of Rutherford County, and make it an even better place to live, work, and play.
So, who is Rutherford Bound for, how does it work, and what comes next? Read on and learn more...
Visionaries from each community in Rutherford County come together to envision and execute projects that will enrich the lives of the people who live here. Families are already enjoying new recreational spaces like the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Kiwanis Park and the Purple Martin Greenway, and more projects are underway.
Sites like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure have long been travel destinations for visitors. But locals know that Rutherford County has even more to offer. Rutherford Bound is revitalizing and enhancing lesser-known areas of the county so tourists get a true taste of this beautiful part of North Carolina. Don Cason, Executive Director for the Rutherford County TDA says it best, "When you build a better place to live, work, and play, you build a place people want to visit."
The projects of Rutherford Bound - vibrant streetscapes, city parks, and lush greenways - are paid for in part by occupancy tax collected on all overnight stays by visitors to Rutherford County. This 'bed tax' on short-term lodging, such as hotels, B&Bs, and vacation home rentals is funneled back into local towns and municipalities.
State law requires that two-thirds of these funds are used for program administration and marketing, to encourage more visitors to come experience Rutherford County. The remaining one-third of tax revenue is spent on capital projects, recreational infrastructure, and other improvements that enhance life for residents and draw visitors to the region.
In addition to occupancy tax revenue, townships and municipalities in Rutherford County contribute portions of their budget to Rutherford Bound Projects. Grant money, capital campaigns, and private donors have also provided significant contributions. You can learn more about how Rutherford Bound is funded here.
Rutherford Bound has already put some incredible projects on the map, but there is much more to come. The Factory! at KidSenses Children's Museum on Main Street in Rutherfordton will be a major destination in Western North Carolina. In Spindale, a new 7,500 square foot skate park and pump track will draw outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels from across the region. And charming Chimney Rock Village will continue their enhancements with an inviting new streetscape that encourages visitors to linger.
Now that you know a little more about Rutherford Bound, we hope you'll stay tuned to hear more about the latest projects and updates. Follow us on Instagram @RutherfordBound, and check back here to see what's next!
Rutherford County's network of hiking trails, greenways, and blueways are the result of a collaborative effort between a team of trail partners working to build and maintain these outdoor spaces. Each partner has a crucial role to play in making Rutherford County's trails safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
Rutherford Bound invests in local trails -- greenways, blueways, and hiking trails -- that make the county an even better place to live, work, and play. By funding the construction and improvement of area trails, Rutherford Bound is improving the quality of life for residents and actively attracting more visitors to the area. Rutherford Bound has also formed the Rutherford County Trails Collaborative, a group of stakeholders with the goal of guiding trail infrastructure development in the county. By providing a framework of organization, leadership, and teamwork, Rutherford Bound is moving outdoor recreation and trail construction forward in Rutherford County.
Conservancies help to secure land where trails are built and work to oversee the maintenance of existing trails. They have a hand in the design and layout of new trails and contract with trail builders for construction. Foothills Conservancy and Conserving Carolina are instrumental in trail building, preservation, and upkeep in Rutherford County. Because it is their primary mission to preserve and protect land, water, and wildlife, these conservancy groups are valuable trail partners.
State Parks offer protected areas of land where new trails can be built and are the site of numerous existing trails for visitors to enjoy. Combined, Chimney Rock State Park and South Mountain State Park oversee, upkeep, and maintain more than 63 miles of hiking trails for some 800,000 visitors each year.
Towns and Municipalities in Rutherford County advocate for new trails for residents and visitors to enjoy. They are also responsible for the long-term maintenance of trails within their borders. During the past seven years, towns in Rutherford County have come together like never before to create new greenways, and hiking & biking trails. These towns know that, if they invest in trails and outdoor spaces, their communities will reap an outstanding economic return. In addition to creating more attractive communities, every $1 spent on trail construction returns $1.72 annually to local businesses.
Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) promotes outdoor recreation across Rutherford County by building and developing new trails, and protecting existing ones. ROC advocates for expanding trail opportunities and mobilizes volunteers to do trail work. By organizing local recreation groups, holding monthly meetings, and circulating information, ROC is an instrumental trail partner in Rutherford County. Additionally, the Carolina Climbers Coalition is a valuable partner in building and maintaining climbing routes and the necessary access trails.
Working together, Rutherford Bound and each of these trail partners are improving the quality of life for residents, attracting visitors to the area, and enhancing the outdoor experience that already surrounds us in Rutherford County.
2023 NC Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina's vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways which showcase our diverse landscapes - grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont. Rutherford County is proud to participate in this statewide effort -- and is kicking off 2023 by celebrating NC First Day Outdoors, an event encouraging everyone to get outside and try a trail!
Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills is inviting everyone to participate in their First Day Outdoors contest by getting outside on one of the amazing trails Rutherford County has to offer (like the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Purple Martin Greenway, Buffalo Creek Park, or Broad River Paddle Trail). All you have to do is pick your trail, pick your activity, snap a picture, and tag @visitlakelureblueridgenc (IG) or @LakeLureBRF (FB) when you post it. Walking, biking, hiking, running, horseback riding, and even paddling are all acceptable trail activities.
You can also participate in Chimney Rock State Park's First Day Hike and kick off the new year at Chimney Rock State Park. A Park Ranger will offer an informative discussion about the Park's history while the group strolls, hikes, or bikes up to the 3.2-mile entrance road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike.
Jan. 1st, 2023, 8-10am | Chimney Rock State Park Entrance | Old Rock Cafe 431 Main Street Chimney Rock, NC 28720
How to Enter the Contest:
Five winners will be chosen to receive a Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority canvas tote swag bag that includes:
Rutherford Bound has been busy! We have completed several projects, including:
And now, Rutherford Bound needs your help to reach our 2022 Year End Giving goals. We are actively raising money for several projects across Rutherford County, including:
As you can see, Rutherford Bound is building a better place to live, work, and play right here in Rutherford County. You can help bring these projects to life by giving a gift that will keep giving for generations to come.
Students from Rutherford County Schools (RCS) & their families joined Watts Water employees, RCS staff, and other community leaders to celebrate the installation of a 1000-foot banner featuring student artwork along a busy section of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT).
The ribbon was cut by Ritchie Garland, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for Rutherford County Schools during a ceremony held on Friday, May 20th. The installation of the banner was timed to coincide with the end of the school year, so students could view their artwork along the TBRT before school let out for summer vacation.
Garland went on to thank the teachers involved in the project, noting that when he emailed them requesting student involvement on this project, they immediately began working with their students to produce the artwork for this incredible public art installation. Students who contributed artwork gathered during the ribbon cutting to be recognized for their creativity and hard work.
Located along a heavily-trafficked section of the TBRT, the Watts Water facility installed the artwork and upgraded landscaping in an effort to beautify and improve their area bordering the trail. Additionally, Watts Water employees came up with the idea to partner with the local school system for the artwork that now hangs from the fence separating the facility from the trail.
“This project is an example of a true collaborative effort. Combining the talents of the students with the support from Watts, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Partners, and the Rutherford County TDA has resulted in a great enhancement to the trail.” said Ron Hancock, Senior Planner at Destination by Design, an economic development and planning firm that helped facilitate the project.
In 2021, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Partners, an alliance of local leaders responsible for the management of the trail, adopted the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan, identifying several areas slated for improvement, including: trail access & safety, signage, public art, and landscaping. The stretch of trail alongside the Watts Water facility is one of the areas that was suggested for improvement; spurring Watts Water leadership to team up as a corporate sponsor of Rutherford Bound to complete this project.
Community partners like Meta are absolutely crucial to the Rutherford Bound initiative! However, the impact of partners like these goes beyond the obvious monetary benefits -- the presence of an engaged and supportive community is what truly makes Rutherford County so special.
As we enter into Phase Two of Rutherford Bound, we look forward to continuing to strengthen our community by making strategic infrastructure improvements across the county. This is an amazing opportunity for all of the towns to come together and make this a better community for visitors and residents alike.
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!
