Brand-new parks, river access points, and community gathering places have opened, creating more opportunities to spend time outdoors. Alongside the county’s well-loved trails and outdoor spaces, these additions are expanding access to the outdoors and making Rutherford County feel even more like home.
Norris Park
The newly-completed Norris Park in Rutherfordton invites residents and visitors to spend more time outside this summer. With tee pads ranging from beginner to advanced levels, seasoned disc golfers, first-time players, and everyone in between can enjoy the 18-hole course. Accessible walking paths, picnic shelters, and open lawn areas offer space for families to gather.
The park is also bringing new life to a piece of land with deep roots in the community. The downtown property was first developed in 1929 by Dr. Henry Norris as Rutherfordton Golf Course, then was later donated to the town for public use. Today, Norris Park continues that tradition as a welcoming place for the community to gather and recreate.
North Slope Skate & Ride
Located in the heart of downtown Spindale, North Slope Skate & Ride park adds a new destination to the town’s growing network of recreation opportunities. The 7,500-square-foot skate park and asphalt pump track give skaters and bikers of all abilities a space to practice their skills and challenge themselves.
A covered picnic shelter and swinging benches make the park a welcoming place for families or spectators to enjoy an outdoor meal and watch the action. Developed on a previously vacant lot donated by Spindale United Methodist Church, North Slope transforms an unused parcel of land into a community gathering place.
Broad River Paddle Trail
The Broad River has always been a part of life in Rutherford County. This summer, two new public access sites make it easier for local families and visiting adventurers to enjoy this treasured natural asset. Located at US Highway 221 and 221A, the launch points connect with existing access sites at Gray’s Road and Coxe Road, unlocking more than 14 miles of river for paddling, fishing, and outdoor exploration.
Parking, signage, and convenient launch areas make it easier to spend a summer day on the water, whether that means a few quiet hours of fishing, a relaxed paddle with the family, or a full-day adventure. Built with care for the natural environment, the new public access sites are a thoughtful investment in the river and the community around it, creating more opportunities to enjoy the Broad while preserving it for the years ahead.
Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Stretching 13.5 miles along a former railroad corridor, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail weaves through the heart of Rutherford County. Shade trees line the paved, gently sloping trail, which links Spindale, Forest City, and many of the outdoor places families enjoy during the summer.
It’s a place for early morning coffee walks, long bike rides, and family outings with strollers and scooters in tow. Along the route, playgrounds, picnic shelters, basketball courts, a splash pad, and a public pool make it easy to pause and explore. Restaurants, shopping, libraries, and the new North Slope Skate & Ride park offer more possibilities for long summer days.
Legacy Soccer Park
Legacy Soccer Park is Rutherford County’s newest hub for summertime activity. The 57-acre Forest City complex includes a championship-grade artificial turf field, natural grass fields, and mini urban pitches as well as a playground area, picnic shelter, and open lawn areas.
From local matches and regional tournaments to family outings and community events, the park is a place for both competition and connection. Younger children can enjoy the playground while families gather nearby, and the range of fields offers enough space for both multi-day events and weeknight pickup games.
Purple Martin Greenway
For locals or visitors looking to spend a summer day outside, the Purple Martin Greenway offers a scenic route through Rutherfordton. The paved, accessible 2-mile route passes through historic downtown and follows Cleghorn Creek alongside waterfalls and shade trees.
With Crestview Park at one end and Kiwanis Park at the other, families can turn a walk along the greenway into a full afternoon outdoors, stopping at the playground, enjoying an outdoor lunch or grilling burgers and watching a local ball game.
History lovers can take the self-guided downtown walking tour, or follow a section of the Overmountain Victory Trail, which traces the route of the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution. Younger adventurers can embark on the interactive Kid’s Main Street Safari, or spend an afternoon at KidSenses Children’s Museum.
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village
Summertime has returned in meaningful ways to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village after Hurricane Helene. Lake Lure reached full pond levels this spring and began a phased soft opening. The beach reopened for the summer on Memorial Day weekend, welcoming visitors to this scenic part of Rutherford County. In Chimney Rock Village, many shops, restaurants, and local attractions are open, and rebuilding continues as the town returns to the charm and character that make this beloved destination so special.
Through the Back to Beautiful initiative, Rutherford Bound is helping these cherished destinations restore what was lost and build a more resilient future.
Spend the Season Outside
These trails, parks, and river access points make it easy to get outdoors, connect with family and friends, and enjoy what makes this region special. They also reflect the work of Rutherford Bound to invest in communities, enrich the lives of residents, and give visitors more ways to experience Rutherford County.
As a community-driven initiative, Rutherford Bound is helping make our county an even better place to live, work, play, and visit. Together these projects reflect the exciting strides being made toward a vibrant future for Rutherford County.
