SeptIsGreatTrailsStateMonth2024

To celebrate Great Trails State Month in Rutherford County, we will hold multiple events around the county from now until Great Trails State Day on October 19th.  

Join Us & Find Your Trail!

 

EVENT LINE-UP

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Dog-Walk-on-Thermal-Belt-Rail-Trail-2024

September 7 th & October 5th at 10 AM 

Dog Walk on Thermal Belt Rail Trail 

LOCATION: Meet at 380 US-221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Join us as we walk the Thermal Belt Rail Trail with one of the shelter dogs from Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue! HFAR is a local no-kill shelter with many dogs that would love to walk on the trail with you. 

*Since there are a limited number of dogs available, you MUST pre-register for this event. Registration closes two days before! Dogs will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis in the order of RSVPs.

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flock the rock

September 21st, 10 AM - 3 PM

16th Annual Flock to the Rock

Location - Chimney Rock State Park

Break out the binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest-growing hobbies—bird watching! Bring the whole family for live raptor programs, birding activities, intro-to-birding hikes, and the annual hawk watch from the Chimney.

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river clean up

September 28th, 9 AM - 5 PM

Rutherford Outdoor Coalition River Clean-Up

LOCATION: Broad River Section 4 - River Rd. to Grays Rd.

Join us for a special 'Great Trails State Month' River Cleanup. We will be cleaning between Broad River Section 4 - River Rd. to Grays Rd. By participating, you will help us keep our rivers clean, healthy, and fun for outdoor activities and promote environmental awareness.

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Tour-de-Pumpkin-2024

October 5th- Ride starts at 9:45 am. Registration is 8:15 am – 9:30 am. 

Tour de Pumpkin Cycling Tour

Registration Booth Location: N. Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (Near PNC Bank)

Join us for the Annual 50 and 100K bike tours! All proceeds benefit Youth Cycling in Rutherford County. This is a perfect end-of-the-season ride with 4,440 feet of climbing on the 100K and 2,200 feet on the 50K and very few cars with abundant scenery. Event T-shirts & a post-ride meal are included + door prizes! 

*ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3rd

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Hilltop-festival-2024

October 5th, 10 AM - 5 PM

RUTHERFORDTON HILLTOP FESTIVAL

LOCATION: Main St. Rutherfordton, NC
Join us in the heart of Downtown Rutherfordton to explore unique finds from local artisans and crafters. We will have featured performances from live bands and dance groups that you won't want to miss. Plus, you'll have the chance to indulge in mouthwatering grub from various food trucks and vendors all day!
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO STOP BY THE FOLLOWING BOOTHS!
  • Rutherford Bound
  • Rutherford Outdoor Coalition
    • Over Mountain Victory Trail
    • Conserving Carolina's
    • Foothills Conservancy Trail Information 
       

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2Folklore2024

October 19th- Great Trails State Day

Folklore Acoustic Stories & Music with North Carolina State Park

6 PM to 9 PM
LOCATION: Chimney Rock Brewing Company
461 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Join storyteller Jimmy James Livingood as we explore the cryptid mysteries of Hickory Nut Gorge including stories of The First Fire, The Little People, The Big Toe, and the Cherokee legend of Spearfinger! Livingood hardly ever travels alone. The Shumont Scramblers will be strumming up some of our favorite mountain tunes, including Chimney Rock originals.

 

Stewardship Opportunities:

Saturday, 9/14 at Buffalo Creek Park - Benchcutting trail, corridor clearing
Thursday, 9/19 at Buffalo Creek Park - Benchcutting trail, corridor clearing
Tuesday, 9/24  at Buffalo Creek Park - Benchcutting trail, corridor clearing

If you have any questions or want to learn more about Stewardship Opportunities, please contact Dan VanBrocklin: dvanbrocklin@carolinaclimbers.org

FindYourTrail_2024