Outdoor Activities in Rutherfordton area?? (Asheville, Hickory: buy, community college, restaurants)

[Outdoor1]

Hi I am going to be moving to Rutherfordton in January and would like to know what type of outdoor activities are available in the area. I know lake lure is not far away and there are a bunch of things to do in Asheville. Is there anything that is right in the Rutherfordton, Forest City area? I like running, hiking, cycling, kayaking, etc. Are there any running or triathlon groups or anything like that?

Thanks everyone

[mrtgman]

Cool. I don't know Rutherfordton that well but I did buy some land in a development there called Queensgap. Glad to hear the town mentioned on the boards!

[Shalai]

Not sure if you're familiar with The Blue Ridge Parkway where you are, but it offers miles and miles of hiking trails; some for short day hikes, and others for more serious adventurists who REALLY want to get away for several days. We go on hiking trips up there quite often. It's also quite popular with cyclists, but it's very curvy and sometimes heavily traveled, esp. during leaf season.

If you're lookin' for nightlife, however, you'll have to go out of town (way out), 'cause they "roll up the sidewalks" in the evening, lol. Not a whole lot goin' on. We have some nice restaurants, but that's about it.

Hope this helps some!

[YorkshireLass]

Hi "outdoor"

In the packet of information I sent there should be a number for the local community college, that might be a good start to track down a local hiking club. I'll try to round up some info on biking trails in the area as well. Once you get here you may want to look into hiking the appalachian trail. I've heard that it can be grueling but definitely worth every step...

see you soon

[Outdoor1]

Yes, I got the packet and thank you. It's been the best information I have received. I do want to one day hike part of the AT. We did triathlons and still enjoy cycling and running. Just hoping there are some decent places around to do this that you don't have to drive 30 minutes to get to.

Thanks again. Looking forward to meeting you in January.

Originally Posted by YorkshireLass

Hi "outdoor"

In the packet of information I sent there should be a number for the local community college, that might be a good start to track down a local hiking club. I'll try to round up some info on biking trails in the area as well. Once you get here you may want to look into hiking the appalachian trail. I've heard that it can be grueling but definitely worth every step...

see you soon

[mm34b]

There's some special events at Chimney Rock Park at various times throughout the year. About 20 miles from Rutherfordton.

3rd Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad

Dates/Times: Thursday–Sunday, September 6–9; multiple times & locations
Cost: reduced Park admission for spectators; entry fee per event for participants
Ages: Youth & adult divisions

Description: A four-day outdoor sports festival involving all kinds of fun competitive sporting events throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge area. Gold, silver & bronze medals will be awarded for best times in all events. Day-of walk-up registrations are welcome! Call 800-277-9611 for further information or visit the Olympiad page at Chimney Rock Park | North Carolina hiking trails with incredible mountain views

As a featured Olympiad event, the Park will host the first-ever Race to the Rock – Saturday, September 8

Description: Take the challenge and run or ride your bike from the Park’s entrance in Chimney Rock Village up to the base of the Chimney. If you’re not up for this 5K race, consider taking our Family Fun Walk!

[Outdoor1]

Thanks for that. I do really like chimney rock park!

[Outdoor1]

Hello everyone. I must say i feel a little foolish responding to my own post but maybe this will help anyone else out there looking for the same things I am. There are lots of hiking, biking, running, etc in the area. The website that I found is ROC - Rutherford Outdoor Coalition

It is the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition. Pretty cool. They have groups that get together for all sorts of activities. I hope someone finds this helpful!