The best walks and hikes in Rutherford County

The Exclamation Point Trail in Chimney Rock State Park offers a unique journey through a cliff-side habitat, featuring a combination of stairs and switchbacks. As you climb, you'll pass the Opera Box, which provides views of Lake Lure, and the distinctive Devil's Head rock formation. The trail culminates at Exclamation Point, where you're rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the entire Hickory Nut Gorge, including the iconic Chimney with the American Flag.

This moderate 0.7-mile (1.1 km) hike involves 315 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 37 minutes. Since it's located within Chimney Rock State Park, an entrance fee is required, and parking is available at the park's main lot. Dogs are permitted on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash.

Exclamation Point is aptly named for its breathtaking vistas, which were even featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans." The unique high-altitude environment supports bonsai-like trees clinging to stone and offers opportunities to see lizards and birds soaring at eye level. For those wanting to extend their adventure, the Skyline Trail begins here.

The Purple Martin Greenway is a delightful paved path winding through wooded areas, offering a serene escape with plenty of shade and opportunities to observe local wildlife. You'll follow the gentle flow of Cleghorn Creek, encountering charming covered bridges and a small waterfall along the way. This moderate 3.6-mile (5.9 km) route features only 143 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing.

Accessing the greenway is straightforward, as it connects Crestview Park and Kiwanis Park, both providing additional amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas. The trail itself is well-equipped with picnic shelters, a healing garden, and lending libraries, enhancing your visit. It's a fantastic option for families, those with pets, or anyone seeking an accessible and easy hike, with its paved surface accommodating various users.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Purple Martin Greenway holds historical significance, named after the Purple Martin bird featured on General Griffith Rutherford's family crest. It's also designed as a "sensory trail," encouraging engagement with nature's sights and sounds, and showcases creative works from local artists. Notably, Kiwanis Park, one of its endpoints, is part of the historic Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail offers a delightful journey through a mature deciduous forest, leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. As you hike, you'll pass through lush greenery, spotting wildflowers and rhododendrons, especially in spring and summer. The path is mostly shaded, with a gentle incline that becomes a bit rockier and steeper near the end, culminating in the dramatic 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. This easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) hike, with 407 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 29 minutes, making it an ideal family-friendly outing.

Located within Chimney Rock State Park, there's typically an entrance fee to access the trail. While the path is well-maintained, good hiking shoes are advisable for the rocky sections and stairs near the falls; strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you. Consider visiting in the fall for stunning foliage or even in winter to witness the rare sight of the falls frozen solid. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hickory Nut Falls gained fame as a filming location for "The Last of the Mohicans." The unique, cool, and damp environment at the base of the falls supports a rare ecosystem, home to various plants and amphibians. For those seeking more adventure, the trail conveniently connects to other routes within Chimney Rock State Park, offering options for longer hikes and panoramic views.

The Morse Park Path offers a serene, easy walk through beautifully landscaped gardens and open meadows, often providing picturesque views of Lake Lure and the dramatic Chimney Rock. This 0.6-mile (1.0 km) hiking trail features mostly level terrain, with both paved and gravel sections, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing 15-minute outing. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as wood ducks and salamanders, especially near the redeveloped wetland habitat, as you enjoy the gentle atmosphere.

Accessing the Morse Park Path is generally simple, as parks of this nature typically offer convenient parking and essential amenities like restrooms and picnic spots. To fully appreciate the natural beauty and potential wildlife sightings, planning your visit during the spring or summer months is recommended, when the native flora is in full bloom. This easy route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, providing a quick escape into nature.

Beyond its natural charm, Morse Park in Lake Lure holds a unique place in cinematic history, having served as a filming location for movies like "Dirty Dancing" and "The Last of the Mohicans." The park also connects directly to the Washburn Marina and features the charming Lake Lure Flowering Bridge nearby, adding layers of interest to this short, accessible trail.

The Thermal Belt Rail Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, following a fully paved, 14.8-mile (23.8 km) path through Rutherford County. You'll experience sections canopied by trees, offering a rural feel, before transitioning into the heart of towns like Rutherfordton and Forest City. The route is remarkably flat, with only 408 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, making it an accessible option for a long day out, despite its "difficult" rating due to the distance. You might even spot squirrels darting through the trees along the way.

With seven dedicated parking areas, bike repair stations, and restrooms conveniently located along its length, planning your visit is easy. The trail is beautiful in all seasons, from vibrant fall foliage to potential snowy banks in winter, so consider the best time to hike based on your preferred scenery. While there are many road crossings, they are well-marked, and local drivers are generally accustomed to trail users.

This trail is more than just a path; it's a community connector, linking five towns and providing easy access to local businesses and historical sites. You can explore the Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park, where gold was once mined, or admire the impressive old steel structure bridge over Highway 74 in Forest City. The trail also shares a section with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, adding a layer of Revolutionary War history to your journey.

Hike to Pot Branch Falls, an easy 0.5-mile route in South Mountains Game Land featuring a multi-tiered waterfall and natural swimming holes.

Embark on the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail for a dynamic hiking experience that combines a challenging ascent with the reward of a towering waterfall. This moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) route, featuring 1928 feet (588 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. You'll traverse the steep, stair-laden Four Seasons Trail, winding through a rich deciduous forest, before transitioning to the gentler Hickory Nut Falls Trail that leads directly to the impressive 404-foot waterfall.

To hike this trail, you'll need a ticket for Chimney Rock State Park, where the route is located. Parking is available within the park. Consider visiting in spring for vibrant wildflowers or in autumn to witness the spectacular fall foliage, though the winter months offer unique long-range views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Always check park conditions before you go.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems and impressive rock formations within the Hickory Nut Gorge. The base of Hickory Nut Falls supports rare plants and amphibians, adding to the natural wonder. The waterfall itself gained fame from its appearance in the film "The Last of the Mohicans," making it a notable landmark in the region.

Hike the moderate 1.5-mile Hickory Nut Falls Trail in Chimney Rock State Park to see the impressive 404-foot waterfall.