RUTHERFORDTON — 2023 has been officially declared the Year of the Trail, by the NC Legislature, and Visit NC. Many local, regional and statewide entities are supporting the Year of the Trail, and aim to raise awareness of the trails, maintain upkeep and expansion of trails, and increase use of the trails.
As a kick-off for the Year of the Trail, Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) invites the public to participate in the First Day Outdoors Contest, on Jan. 1.
“We want you to get outside on the first day of the year and enjoy one of the many amazing trails that Rutherford county has to offer (like the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Purple Martin Greenway, Buffalo Creek Park, or Broad River Paddle Trail to name a few),” said Taylor Hardin, project coordinator with TDA. “Pick your trail, choose your activity, snap a picture and tag us when you post it to social media...That’s all you have to do to enter. Walking, biking, running or paddling along the river are all acceptable trail activities.”
Post and tag the photo @visitNCsmalltowns on Instagram or @LakeLureBRF on Facebook (Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills).
Members of the public can also participate in Chimney Rock State Park’s First Day Hike or Bike event, also on Jan. 1, 8-10 a.m. Participants should meet at the park entrance at Old Rock Cafe (431 Main Street, Chimney Rock). A park ranger will offer an informative discussion about the park’s history while the group strolls, hikes, or bikes up the 3.2 mile entrance road.
Five winners of the First Day Outdoors Contest will be selected. Each will receive a TDA canvas tote bag that will include several prizes including a $50 gift certificate from a local restaurant (Hoot Nannie, Barley’s, FlyBoy Pizza, Lake House or Chimney Rock Smoke House).
“We have great trails in Rutherford County, and we want more people using them,” said TDA Executive Director Don Cason.
TDA has been an important local supporter of trails, and has earmarked $250,000 for trail enhancements and expansion in this year’s budget. In future years, officials hope to inject at least $100,000 annually from TDA funds specifically for local trails.
Safe, well-maintained trails for walking, hiking, and biking are used more and more by local residents. They are also attracting greater numbers of visitors to Rutherford County, and government and tourism officials say the trails are an important driver of economic development.
In 2021, entities with an interest in boosting local trails, came together to form the Rutherford Trails Collaborative, led by TDA. The Collaborative helps guide prioritization for trail infrastructure projects within Rutherford County, and includes representatives from TDA, Rutherford County government, Chimney Rock State Park, Foothills Conservancy of NC, Conserving Carolina, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, Carolina Climbers Coalition, and RHI Legacy Foundation.
“The Year of the Trail is important for the entire state,” said Jerry Stensland, president of the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition. “It will hopefully raise awareness. In Rutherford County we have good trails. We have at least 25 more miles of maintained trails than we had five years ago.”
He said the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is already seeing a steady number of locals, and visitors.
“The trails are becoming better known, and the trails here have a reputation of being well-maintained,” he said.
Officials point out that in 2023, several local trail segments will receive official designation as State Trails, and two new river access points will be completed on the Broad River (as part of the Broad River Paddle Trail).
Officials say events will be planned throughout 2023, celebrating Rutherford County trails, and encourage people to use them more.
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