The community of Chimney Rock Village came together on Tuesday, April 16 for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate Phase Two of its Streetscape Project. Government officials, project leaders, local business owners, and residents gathered to celebrate the event with a ceremonial first dig and speeches from key stakeholders.
The streetscape project is designed to improve the safety, accessibility, and aesthetics of Main Street while preserving the community’s small town charm and longstanding history as a destination in North Carolina. Situated along the Rocky Broad River and surrounded by the picturesque Hickory Nut Gorge, the Chimney Rock Village is the gateway into Chimney Rock State Park, which draws more than a quarter million visitors annually.
“The streetscape improvements will have a tremendous impact on the local tourism economy,” said Don Cason, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. “These enhancements will help make a great first impression on visitors, boost the curb appeal of Main Street businesses, and encourage longer stays and repeat visits to Chimney Rock and Rutherford County.”
Phase One of the streetscape project–completed in November 2021–replaced portions of the town's badly deteriorated public infrastructure for a safer, more walkable Main Street that highlights the view of the Rocky Broad River. This next phase of improvements will build on the success of Phase One by continuing the previously established sidewalk pattern with an additional 650 linear feet, as well as adding new street lamps and trees. The plans will improve parking and walkability along Main Street, while preserving familiar elements like stone benches that are part of the Village’s distinct charm.
J. Meliski, Senior Project Manager with McGill Associates, described the care that was taken to elevate Main Street without erasing its uniqueness. “This has been an exciting thing to see,” he said. “It's not changing the fabric of the Village, but it is making it more user-friendly. The overall intent of our design and the end result is to improve pedestrian safety, flow and accessibility.”
Phase Two will include infrastructure changes to safeguard people and property along the main thoroughfare of the Village. Plans include the removal of an unsafe crosswalk and significant enhancements to the stormwater management system to protect buildings and shops from excessive runoff.
The streetscape project is a key part of Rutherford Bound’s work to invest in public spaces, helping bolster tourism in our county and improve quality of life for residents in our communities. Looking to the future, Chimney Rock Village will be a key feature of this destination area in Western North Carolina, as the development of the new Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail system draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.
“Chimney Rock Village has partnered with Rutherford Bound and they recognize that access is critical to getting people into the Hickory Nut Gorge, where over 50 miles of state trail are planned,” said James Ledgerwood, Superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park. “The village streetscape is important in creating an atmosphere where people can stop and have a jump-off point to access all these trails.”
Local business owners like Jessie Callaway of the Village Scoop are excited about the upgrades they’re seeing from their storefronts because of the streetscape project. “This will streamline the parking and make our spaces more updated and safer so that people can move more freely through the village,” Jessie remarked. “There's a lot of really cool traditions and good memories that have developed here and I think that this is really going to help more people make those memories.”
The Chimney Rock Village Streetscape Project is part of the Rutherford Bound initiative and was funded by Chimney Rock Village, Rutherford County TDA, Appalachian Regional Commission, and private donations.
Mayor Peter O’Leary addressed attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This project is due to the successful collaboration of sponsoring agencies,” he said. “We’re excited to continue building on the success of the Phase One Streetscape Project.”
Community leaders and key stakeholders involved in the streetscape project took up shovels for the ceremonial first dig that marked the beginning of Phase Two.
The community of Chimney Rock Village came together on Tuesday, April 16 for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate Phase Two of its Streetscape Project. Government officials, project leaders, local business owners, and residents gathered to celebrate the event with a ceremonial first dig and speeches from key stakeholders.
The streetscape project is designed to improve the safety, accessibility, and aesthetics of Main Street while preserving the community’s small town charm and longstanding history as a destination in North Carolina. Situated along the Rocky Broad River and surrounded by the picturesque Hickory Nut Gorge, the Chimney Rock Village is the gateway into Chimney Rock State Park, which draws more than a quarter million visitors annually.
“The streetscape improvements will have a tremendous impact on the local tourism economy,” said Don Cason, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. “These enhancements will help make a great first impression on visitors, boost the curb appeal of Main Street businesses, and encourage longer stays and repeat visits to Chimney Rock and Rutherford County.”
Phase One of the streetscape project–completed in November 2021–replaced portions of the town's badly deteriorated public infrastructure for a safer, more walkable Main Street that highlights the view of the Rocky Broad River. This next phase of improvements will build on the success of Phase One by continuing the previously established sidewalk pattern with an additional 650 linear feet, as well as adding new street lamps and trees. The plans will improve parking and walkability along Main Street, while preserving familiar elements like stone benches that are part of the Village’s distinct charm.
J. Meliski, Senior Project Manager with McGill Associates, described the care that was taken to elevate Main Street without erasing its uniqueness. “This has been an exciting thing to see,” he said. “It's not changing the fabric of the Village, but it is making it more user-friendly. The overall intent of our design and the end result is to improve pedestrian safety, flow and accessibility.”
Phase Two will include infrastructure changes to safeguard people and property along the main thoroughfare of the Village. Plans include the removal of an unsafe crosswalk and significant enhancements to the stormwater management system to protect buildings and shops from excessive runoff.
The streetscape project is a key part of Rutherford Bound’s work to invest in public spaces, helping bolster tourism in our county and improve quality of life for residents in our communities. Looking to the future, Chimney Rock Village will be a key feature of this destination area in Western North Carolina, as the development of the new Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail system draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.
“Chimney Rock Village has partnered with Rutherford Bound and they recognize that access is critical to getting people into the Hickory Nut Gorge, where over 50 miles of state trail are planned,” said James Ledgerwood, Superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park. “The village streetscape is important in creating an atmosphere where people can stop and have a jump-off point to access all these trails.”
Local business owners like Jessie Callaway of the Village Scoop are excited about the upgrades they’re seeing from their storefronts because of the streetscape project. “This will streamline the parking and make our spaces more updated and safer so that people can move more freely through the village,” Jessie remarked. “There's a lot of really cool traditions and good memories that have developed here and I think that this is really going to help more people make those memories.”
The Chimney Rock Village Streetscape Project is part of the Rutherford Bound initiative and was funded by Chimney Rock Village, Rutherford County TDA, Appalachian Regional Commission, and private donations.
Mayor Peter O’Leary addressed attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This project is due to the successful collaboration of sponsoring agencies,” he said. “We’re excited to continue building on the success of the Phase One Streetscape Project.”
Community leaders and key stakeholders involved in the streetscape project took up shovels for the ceremonial first dig that marked the beginning of Phase Two.
In 2024, residents of Rutherford County will have a new way to play! Plans are in motion for the construction of Norris Recreation Complex, a 50-acre park that will include a disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, a picnic shelter, and other amenities.
The disc golf course will be the highlight of the enhancements currently being planned for the Norris Recreation Complex. With 18 holes and tee pads ranging from beginner to advanced levels, the course will welcome players of every level. At the Norris Recreation Complex, competitive disc golfers can challenge their skills and families can try the sport for the first time on a 21-hole par 3 beginner course.
"The courses we're designing will provide disc golf opportunities for all ages, no matter your ability," said Doug Barrick, the Town Manager of Rutherfordton. "It's a great way to get outside to spend quality time with the people you love."
Plentiful parking, as well as landscaping, restrooms, directional signs, and lighting will ensure that Norris Park is a comfortable and safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. Sheltered picnic tables and both paved and unpaved paths will invite disc golfers to stay for a hike or a packed lunch after they finish their game.
The Town of Rutherfordton has contracted with Destination by Design (DbD), a Boone-based planning and design firm, to oversee the project. DbD will work with Ace Place a NC-based disc golf design company, to implement the course plan.
The acreage that will become Norris Park was originally developed as the Rutherfordton Golf Course in 1929 by Dr. Henry Norris. In the late thirties, Dr. Norris donated it to the town of Rutherfordton for use as a public golf course. But after decades of use, the level of play at the course gradually declined until it closed in late 2018.
This beautiful spot of land, with sloping hills, a stream, and hardwood and evergreen trees, has been unused for nearly five years. The Rutherfordton Town Council believed the property should continue to be a recreational asset for the citizens of Rutherfordton, and encouraged the public to join the conversation as a vision was created for this outdoor space.
Working together, the town council, local citizens, grantors, and other stakeholders, have crafted a plan that will serve as a broader influence than the park's previous use, and will expand the recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Norris Recreation Complex is being funded by grants from the RHI Legacy Foundation, the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and the Carolina Foothills Foundation, as well as support from the Rutherford County TDA and the Rutherford County Recreation Fund.
"Here in Rutherford County we love the outdoors, and this is just one more opportunity to get out there," said Adam Thomas, a member of the Town of Rutherfordton's Parks and Recreation Committee.
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!
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.
The Town of Spindale is soon- to- be home to Rutherford County's newest recreation space: The Spindale Flow Park (working name). The region's first skatepark and pump track is being built in Downtown Spindale, at the intersection of East Main and Steward Streets on 1.6 acres of land generously donated by the Spindale United Methodist Church. The proximity of the Flow Park to Downtown Spindale and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is an excellent opportunity to bring a new user group to downtown and the TBRT.
The Town of Spindale has contracted with DbD, a Boone-based planning and design firm, to oversee the project. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skatepark design, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
Since the original plans were released in March of 2022, the site layout and preliminary grading plan have been completed, along with initial branding and visual identity. Additionally, early plans for furnishings and landscaping have been released.
New additions to the plans include combined skatepark features and an open plaza, a staircase with bleacher seating, and lower single stall restroom (in addition to the two-stall restroom already called for in the additional plan).
The Spindale Flow Park is funded by investments from Meta and the RHI Legacy Foundation, as well as monies from the Town of Spindale TDA Fund, Spindale TDA match, Rutherford Bound/ Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, and the Parks & Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).
The Town of Spindale was awarded the $425,000 PARTF Grant in August of 2022 to build the skatepark and pump track and assist with achieving the following goals:
In 2022, the Town of Lake Lure and the Carolina Climbers Coalition began working to open a newly-discovered boulder field within Buffalo Creek Park. Once finished, this boulder field will be far more extensive than the existing Loop Trail Boulders, containing potential for 200+ problems (bouldering challenges) and 20-30 roped routes.
Access to the Upper Creek Boulders has been opened up via the Upper Boulders Trail, which is currently under construction. While this trail was primarily created to serve climbing access, it is also an interesting hiking trail in a previously inaccessible section of the Hickory Nut Gorge.
The Buffalo Creek Loop Trail Boulders and the new Buffalo Creek Upper Boulders Trailhead can be found off of Buffalo Creek Road, while Rumbling Bald Climbing Access Area can be found the Rumbling Bald Trailhead within Chimney Rock State Park.
The Upper Boulders Trail is located within Buffalo Creek Park in the Town of Lake Lure, and once finished, will be a 1.4 mile trail branching off of the existing Buffalo Creek Park Loop Trail. The moderately strenuous trail will gain approximately 500 feet of elevation and will pass boulders and small cliffs that are desirable for bouldering and roped climbing. The wildflowers, cascading creeks, abundant wildlife, remote forest, and summit views will be an attraction for hikers and climbers alike.
The Carolina Climbers Coalition is working on this trail weekly and is looking for volunteer and financial support for this project; for more information, please visit their website. This project is being funded by a grant from the RHI Foundation and the Rutherford County TDA, as part of Rutherford Bound's Year of the Trail initiative.
Additionally, the Upper Boulders Trail is now included in the Pisgah Map Company's Trail Guide to Hickory Nut Gorge, which can be purchased here.
Community leaders from the Town of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, and Rutherford County gathered on Thursday, November 3rd to celebrate Lake Lure’s newest infrastructure project, the revitalization of the Lake Lure Town Center Walkway. Prior to the ribbon-cutting on the walkway, attendees gathered at the entrance to Lake Lure Beach for greetings and remarks by local officials.
The Lake Lure Town Center Walkway is a walking path of brick pavers that begins at Jack London Road near the ABC Store and crosses the Pool Creek Bridge, which extends to a floating boardwalk through the Washburn Marina. The walkway continues on toward Chimney Rock Village along US 64/74A through the Town of Lake Lure and across the historic Rocky Broad River Bridge, now called the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Updates to the Pool Creek Bridge pillars and globe lights were also completed in tandem with the Walkway paving project by George Wittmer, owner of Lake Lure Properties. The pillars and globe lights were restored to their original designs from 1925, when the bridge was built.
This infrastructure project was integral towards increasing pedestrian connectivity in Rutherford County, as it provides walkability between the town center, town hall, and the Flowering Bridge. Additionally, local leaders have identified a pedestrian walkway connecting the Town of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village as a much-hoped for priority, and the Walkway revitalization is an important step forward in this process.
“There’s been a lot of talk about connectivity. That’s the key, connecting the two communities (Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure) – and we’re so close! I just want to encourage the two communities to continue to work together and connect for the benefit of pedestrians, who are so important to every town’s vitality and health,” said Peter O’Leary, Mayor, Chimney Rock Village
Town of Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett reinforced Mayor O’Leary’s statement, saying, “One thing that is very near and dear to our hearts is connecting Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. So much of what’s being done here is the beginning of that connection. We have great plans moving forward to connect the Flowering Bridge to Chimney Rock Village – all these things we do are a part of that and we love it when a plan comes together!
The revitalization of the Lake Lure Town Center Walkway is part of the Rutherford Bound initiative and was funded entirely by a $50,000 grant from the Tourism Development Authority. As there was no funding match from the Town of Lake Lure, there were no taxpayer funds used for this infrastructure project.
“One of the things that’s been truly remarkable about the impact that the TDA and Rutherford Bound has had on all of us and our work in our communities is that we seem to be working together in the county with common plans. We’re looking at things that benefit both communities at the same time, thinking about how we can profit in one place from what’s done in the other, “ said Mayor Pritchett.
