Best trails in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

This trail is a paved rail-trail from Gilkey to Forest City. It is clean, well maintained, great for biking, walking, and running. It is family-friendly and connects five communities. There are no lights, so it is recommended to do this trail during daylight hours. At mile marker 11 you are in the town of Forest City and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the Pavilion for outdoor entertainment. Also at this mile marker, there are picnic tables, slides for kids, and an adult exercise area complete with a dog park set to open soon. The Forest City end of the trail seems more crowded in the late afternoons with families out exercising. The Gilkey end is usually more peaceful in a less populated area. Accessibility: There are 2 designated handicapped-accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Oak Springs Road. Both of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. At the endpoint, there are also 2 designated handicapped-accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of US Highway 221A. Both of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved, smooth, and typically at least 10 feet wide. The estimated grade is gentle (all 3% or less), except for a moderately steep uphill section at 4.1 miles when going south. This trail will likely be navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers.Show more