Welcome to Rutherford County, North Carolina

Fall in love with Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills this season as blankets of red, orange and gold cover the mountains for your viewing pleasure. Our boat tours and scenic drives offer the most spectacular fall foliage you have ever seen. The 75-mile panoramic view from the top of Chimney Rock State Park is always a sought after destination for leaf viewers and worth the climb.

Offering a variety of affordable lodging from private mountain cabin rentals to historic B&Bs, Lake Lure and the surrounding small towns of Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Forest City, Bostic and Spindale make Rutherford County the perfect place to spend your fall getaway in Western North Carolina!

Places to Stay

No matter what your preferred travel style, we have something for everyone during your stay. Choose from a variety of lodging options such as a secluded mountain cabin, quaint cottage on the lake, all...

Driving Tours

Cruise along rolling hills and pastoral scenes, learn about the history of Rutherford County rooted in revolution, bootlegging and gold-minting, gaze at the jewel that is Lake Lure, or simply let the...

Towns

Six small towns, each with their own story to tell and adventures to seek. We invite you to spend some time with us exploring everything we have to offer.

FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG)

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ (FEI WEG) , is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage,...

Trip Ideas

Art Murals of Historic Downtown Forest City

New Art Mural Tour through Rutherford County's...

Since the beginning of time, murals have told stories of the world’s history and its people from cave drawings by ancient cultures to ornate... Read More

Our Favorite Apple Treats to try this Fall

Our 9 Favorite Camping Destinations in Western NC

Family Fun Abounds in NC

Seasonal Adventures

Shop the arts and street festivals, listen to homegrown music, enjoy gorgeous fall hues and the bright lights of Christmas. With so many choices, you'll want to visit Rutherford County season after season.

Fall

Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills turn into a wonderland of color during the fall. Take one of our scenic driving tours to see some of the best...

Hometown Holidays

Winter is one of the best times to visit us as we light up Forest City with more than a million holiday lights. Take a carriage ride through downtown...