The best family-friendly hikes and walks 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 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.

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.