• Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AroundLakeLure.com

Insider's Guide to Lake Lure, NC

  • PLAY
  • STAY
  • EAT + DRINK
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORY
  • VIRTUAL VACATION
  • PLAY
  • STAY
  • EAT + DRINK
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORY
  • VIRTUAL VACATION
  • Asheville
  • Black Mountain
  • Hendersonville
  • Lake Lure
  • Saluda
  • Tryon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Asheville
  • Black Mountain
  • Hendersonville
  • Lake Lure
  • Saluda
  • Tryon
Purple Martin Greenway
The Purple Martin Greenway in Rutherfordton, N.C. Photo by Leniece Lane.

Rutherfordton Trails – Rutherfordton, NC Launches Four New Trails

Posted: April 29, 2016 | Last Modified: May 11, 2021 - Staff Reports

Purple Martin Greenway - Trail in Rutherfordton
The Purple Martin Greenway in Rutherfordton, N.C. Photo by Leniece Lane.

Located in western North Carolina, the Town of Rutherfordton is introducing four new trails just in time for spring strolls and family outings.

Rutherfordton Trails

The four Rutherfordton trails include the Gold Mile, Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Kid’s Main Street Safari and Purple Martin Greenway. Here is a sneak peek of the Rutherfordton, NC new trails:

The Gold Mile

Travel this one-mile loop around downtown Rutherfordton while following a path of commemorative Bechtler gold coins. As a tribute to Christopher Bechtler – the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin in 1832 – the trail starts and ends at the historic 1837 Bechtler House located at 130 W. 6th Street in Rutherfordton. Each gold coin replica is handcrafted by local artist Susan Brooks and engraved with a special dedication.

The Gold Mile

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Coupled with the Gold Mile is the Historic Downtown Walking Tour of Rutherfordton. Step back in time as you follow engraved plaques around town and scan QR codes to discover the legacy behind several historic buildings. Cool fact: The Historic Downtown Walking Tour features the largest cluster of antebellum homes and public structures anywhere in the southern foothills of North Carolina.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Kid’s Main Street Safari

Children and adults can team up on the Kid’s Main Street Safari – a Kids In Parks initiative. Search for clues around downtown Rutherfordton and discover a fun and engaging way to teach kids about history and heritage while getting a healthy dose of exercise. The trail boasts games, tree climbing, gold hunting and a search that leads participants through a Civil War cemetery, just to name a few highlights. As an added bonus, kids can receive prizes for completing the trail and logging their adventures online at www.kidsinparks.com.

Kids Main Street Safari

Purple Martin Greenway

Named after the Purple Martin bird that appeared on General Griffith Rutherford’s family crest, the Purple Martin Greenway is Rutherfordton’s first natural trail system. This scenic path is designed for walking and running at any athletic level. The wooded trail provides an easy stroll alongside a bustling creek and is pet-friendly and handicap accessible. Located just off U.S. Hwy. 221 and south of downtown Rutherfordton, phase one opened in the fall of 2015 and includes an easy one-mile stroll along Cleghorn Creek. Picnic tables and a waterfall offer a welcomed break. Phase two is set to be completed by summer 2016 and will add an additional half-mile to the trail. Both trails will feature creative works from local artists that include interesting facts about the town’s history.

Purple Martin Greenway - Rutherfordton Trail
The Purple Martin Greenway in Rutherfordton, N.C. Photo by Leniece Lane.

Grab a Trails Brochure
The four new trails are showcased in an easy to follow, fold-out brochure available for pick up at the Rutherfordton Town Hall, the Bechtler House or the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. The brochure can also be downloaded at www.rutherfordtontrails.com. For more adventures, visit www.MyRutherfordton.com.

About Rutherfordton
Established in 1787 and home to the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin, the Town of Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in western North Carolina. Declared “A Minted Original,” visitors can mint their own unique experience in Rutherfordton by visiting charming shops that have spanned generations while collecting vintage treasures and admiring the only remaining cluster of antebellum homes in any North Carolina downtown. Enjoy a historic walking tour of Main Street that is also infused with modern-day stops like an interactive children’s museum, fine women’s clothing, locally made arts, and craft food and drink. Learn more at www.myrutherfordton.com.

About Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills of Rutherford County, N.C.
Have the time of your life in Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills, the famous film site  of “Dirty Dancing.” Here, retreat to a destination where simple pleasures outshine the digital-age spectacles – a place where Main Streets reign over mega malls; where nature delivers the best adventures; and where history lives boldly and visibly in architecture, story, song, and spirit.

Check Out Our Detailed Hiking Trail Reviews:

Cedar Mountain Hiking

  • Dupont State Forest Waterfalls Hike – Cedar Mountain, NC

Banner Elk Hiking

  • Profile Trail Hike on Grandfather Mountain – Banner Elk, NC

Gerton Hiking

  • Bearwallow Mountain – Gerton, NC
  • Florence Nature Preserve – Gerton, NC
  • Little Bearwallow Falls – Gerton, NC

Lake Lure Hiking

  • Buffalo Creek Park – Lake Lure, NC
  • Chimney Rock Climbing Park – Lake Lure, NC
  • Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park – Lake Lure, NC
  • Party Rock – Lake Lure, NC

Old Fort Hiking

  • Catawba Falls – Old Fort, NC

Saluda Hiking

  • Big Bradley Falls – Saluda, NC
  • Little Bradley Falls – Saluda, NC
  • Pearson’s Falls – Saluda, NC
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
(Visited 568 times, 1 visits today)

Filed Under: PLAY Tagged With: Rutherfordton, Walking

More Favorites

Sunset at Tryon Equestrian Center

Tryon International Equestrian Center – Premier Equestrian Destination

Trombatore Trail

“Best of Guide” – Best Parks, Paths & Trails Around Lake Lure

Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail

Profile Trail Hike on Grandfather Mountain – Banner Elk, NC

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get all sorts of Crazy Good Fun delivered right to your inbox for FREE!

Previous Post: «Catawba Falls NC Hiking Catawba Falls – Beautiful Waterfall Hike in Old Fort, NC
Next Post: A Big Appreciation for My Small Town – Growing Up in Rutherford County Small Town Fun at Lake Lure»

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Around Lake Lure! I’m Lisa, and I’m here to help you enjoy your time in this Crazy Good Place! Consider this the Insider’s Guide to Lake Lure and the small mountain towns surrounding it. We share hiking trail guides that will inspire you, events that will make every day a fun day, favorite food and beverage spots, lodging info, and more. Enjoy!




Connect With Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get all sorts of Crazy Good Fun delivered right to your inbox for FREE!

Top Stories

  • 27 Things To Do With Kids in Lake Lure, North Carolina
  • Top 12 Hikes Near Lake Lure, NC – Hiking Lake…
  • 14 Reasons to Love Lake Lure in Winter
  • 7 Scenic Waterfall Hikes Around Lake Lure, NC…
  • The Hickory Nut Antique Shop
  • 2021 Holiday Events in Lake Lure & Chimney Rock…
  • Lake Lure Town Center Easy Scenic Walk
  • Dittmer Watts Nature Trail Park: Best Dog Trails in…
  • 11 Spring Ephemerals Native to Lake Lure and Hickory…
  • Profile Trail Hike on Grandfather Mountain –…




LAKE LURE WEATHER

Book Your Stay Now at Some of Our Favorite Featured Places

  • Chimney Rock Inn Riverview Cottage
    Chimney Rock Inn – Riverview Cottage
  • The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa
  • Rumbling Bald Resort

RSS Upcoming Lake Lure Events

  • 01/10/2023 - Lake Lure Flowering Bridge - Pretty Pansy Pots
  • 01/26/2023 - Lake Lure Newcomers Meet & Greet
  • 01/27/2023 - Mexican Corn Soup
  • 01/28/2023 - Naturalist Niche: Winter Birding
  • 01/28/2023 - Burntshirt Vineyards Live Music
  • 01/29/2023 - Lake Lure Inn & Spa Sunday Brunch
  • 01/29/2023 - Burntshirt Vineyards Live Music
  • 01/30/2023 - Chimney Rock Brewing Company - Open Mic Night
  • 02/02/2023 - 18th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
  • 02/04/2023 - Burntshirt Vineyards Live Music

RSS Events at Chimney Rock State Park

  • Yoga with a View May 12, 2023
  • Spring Homeschool Day May 10, 2023
  • Nature at Night Hike May 6, 2023
  • Passholder Experience: Late Spring Birding Hike May 3, 2023
  • Yoga with a View Series April 14, 2023
  • 67th Annual Easter Sunrise Service April 9, 2023
  • Spring Break Animal Encounters April 3, 2023
  • Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflower Walk April 1, 2023
  • Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails” April 1, 2023
  • Naturalist Niche: Spring Birding Walk March 25, 2023
  • Llamapalooza for Annual Passholders March 18, 2023
  • Mindfulness Hike March 11, 2023
  • Hike With a Naturalist March 6, 2023
  • Naturalist Niche: Winter Trees February 25, 2023
  • Winter Homeschool Day February 15, 2023
  • Passholder Experience: Old Growth Forest Expedition February 8, 2023
  • 18th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration February 2, 2023
  • Mindfulness Hike January 28, 2023
  • Naturalist Niche: Winter Birding January 28, 2023
  • Winter Photo Contest: “Winter Trails” January 1, 2023

Discover More Fun

  • PLAY
    • Hiking
  • EAT + DRINK
    • Featured Favorites
    • Restaurants
    • Breweries
    • Wine + Spirits
  • EVENTS
    • Event Calendar
  • TOWNS
    • Lake Lure
    • Asheville
    • Black Mountain
    • Hendersonville
    • Saluda
    • Tryon
  • DIRECTORY
  • Bed and Breakfast & Inns
  • Cabins, Cottages & Lodges
  • Campgrounds & RV Resorts
  • Hotels, Motels & Resorts

Check Out My New Website

If you’re a dog lover and want a better life for your dog (and you too) you’ll love my new website DogGoneReal.com.

Footer

About Us

We are an independent, locally-owned guide serving Lake Lure, NC and the neighboring mountain towns that surround us. We share fun things to do that will help you enjoy this Crazy Good Place!

Amazon Associates Program

Around Lake Lure is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get all sorts of Crazy Good Fun delivered right to your inbox for FREE!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Site Footer

Home | About | Advertise With Us | Contact | Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Back to Top

Copyright © 2023 Around Lake Lure – All Rights Reserved – AroundLakeLure.com – Lake Lure, NC USA