Adventure. The word is synonymous with feelings of excitement, joy, and pure adrenaline rush. If your idea of an incredible day or weekend is one filled with escapades of daring-do, Rutherford county is the place to be! From ziplines and rock climbing to horseback adventures and fly-fishing, we've got you covered! 

Rock Climbing 

The challenge of rock climbing. Pushing physical and mental prowess to its limits while scaling nature's giant, million-year-old monuments allows those who enjoy the sport to experience nature's beauty in a whole new light. If you're into the sports of rock climbing, bouldering, and rappelling, Chimney Rock State Park is the place for you. Chimney Rock allows rocking climbing, rappelling, and bouldering on Eagle Rock, and on the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain. Climbing Eagle Rock requires the purchase of park access, but Rumbling Bald Mountain can be accessed without entrance to the park. All climbing, bouldering, and rappelling are at the climber's own risk, and a permit is required.

For those looking to brush up on their skills or take part in an organized program, they can contact Fox Mountain Guides at (888) 284-8433 to register or for additional information. This group offers clinics and guided outings in rock climbing, mountaineering, and ice climbing. If you're already a seasoned climber, they offer assessments and instructor certifications in both wall and single pitch climbing.

 

Ziplining 

Ever get the urge to fly through the air, wind whipping around you as you experience the beauty of nature from a bird's eye view? If this sounds like you, you're going to love ziplining! One area favorite is Boulderline Zip. They offer a number of package options from mini-ziplines for smaller adventurers & those who prefer their views closer to ground level, to ridge-to-ridge lines, night zip-lining complete with headlamps and glow paint, even climbing walls and a giant hillside swing.

Canopy Ridge Farm is another local favorite. This Outdoor Adventure Park offers thrilling zipline tours of Hickory Nut Gorge that range across 60 acres of the area's hardwood forests including their largest line Zipzilla. Prefer to get your thrills a little less sky level? They also have exciting UTV tours! Leave the beaten path behind as you drive or ride along in one of their Kawasaki UTVs over hills, across logs, and through diversely forested terrain. Both companies strongly suggest reservations, especially for groups, so make sure to call or visit their websites for booking and waiver documentation before your arrival. 

 

Horseback Riding 

If thrilling in the beauty of nature atop a faithful steed sounds like your kind of excitement, Rutherford county has your perfect breed of adventure. Riverside Riding Stables offers 1-hour guided trail rides, 2-hour river rides that literally allow you to swim with your horse as you traverse incredibly scenic mountain trails, and even 3-day, 2-night pack trips full of riding, fishing, and camping adventures. Cedar Creek Stables offers 1, 1.5, and 2-hour trail rides journeying across forests, thickets, creeks, and even mountain ridges on their Overlook Trail to experience some of the most spectacular views you've ever seen. Both Cedar Creek and Riverside Stables require reservations for most outings, so be sure to check out their websites for rates and information. 

 

Fly-Fishing 

Does the thought of standing your ground in the middle of a rushing stream while casting a line through swiftly moving water sound like your idea of a truly incredible experience? Then Granddaddy Fly Fishing in Lake Lure is definitely your go-to guide to make that dream a reality. Owned and operated by IFFF certified instructor Michael Yelton, The Granddaddy Fly Fishing Experience offers half and full-day Wade Trips and Float Trips for aspiring fly-fishers of every ability level. You can even schedule an individual or group casting clinic lesson. Lewis No Clark Expeditions in Rutherfordton is another fantastic option for fly fishing adventures along the local area streams and rivers. They offer full and half-day trips, instruction in casting, lure retrieval, and knot tying, as well as rod and reel selection and use. Regardless of which guide you choose, reservations in advance are required, and you'll need to obtain your NC Fishing License before heading out, but we assure you the extra preparation will be well worth it. 

 

There's No Better Time Than The Present 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." She was right. Life's memories are there for the making today. So pick your adventure style and get out there! We can't wait to see you soon!