Hiking Trails Near Lake Lure & Chimney Rock — Full Rutherford County Directory
Every trail in Rutherford County, in one place — plus what's specific to Chimney Rock
Photo: Ehume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick Answer
- Chimney Rock's own trails
- Ten trails inside the park and its free-access areas — see our full breakdown
- Countywide network
- 41 trails across Rutherford County, from short in-town walks to major state park systems
- Source
- Directory compiled from the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition's official trail data
- Toughest options
- Weed Patch Mountain and Wildcat Rock/Little Bearwallow are rated Strenuous with the most elevation gain
Two trail systems overlap around here, and it's worth knowing which is which. Chimney Rock State Park has its own ten trails — some inside the paid-admission area, some free — with real-time closure status and turn-by-turn detail on our Chimney Rock hiking trails guide. Everything else in the county — greenways, nature preserves, game lands, waterfall hikes, and small-town walking paths — is covered by the countywide directory below, sourced from the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition.
If you've already done the Chimney Rock trails or want more mileage than the park's short, steep paths give you, this is where to look next.
Full county trail directory from the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, the nonprofit that builds, maintains, and promotes trails across Rutherford County — hiking, walking, running, biking, climbing, camping, equestrian, and paddling.
Hickory Nut Gorge
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearwallow Mountain Trail | 2 mi one-way | Moderate | 501–800 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Big Bradley Falls Trail | Not specified | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Catawba Falls Trail | 3.5 mi full trail; 1.1 mi to lower falls | Moderate | 801–1000 ft | 2.25–3.0 hr |
| Chimney Rock Boulders Trail | Not specified | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Chimney Rock State Park | 4+ mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Lake Lure Town Center Walkway | 0.5 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Little Bradley Falls Trail | 1.9 mi one-way | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Rumbling Bald at Chimney Rock State Park Trail | 1.5 mi | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Strawberry Gap | 5.1 mi | Moderate | 1001–1200 ft | 2.25–3.0 hr |
| Trombatore Trail | 5 mi one-way | Strenuous | 1200+ ft | 2.25–3.0 hr |
| Wildcat Rock / Little Bearwallow | 4.8 mi one-way | Strenuous | 1200+ ft | 3.25–4.0 hr |
Bearwallow Mountain TrailModerate
Length
2 mi one-way
Elevation
501–800 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Big Bradley Falls TrailModerate
Length
Not specified
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Catawba Falls TrailModerate
Length
3.5 mi full trail; 1.1 mi to lower falls
Elevation
801–1000 ft
Est. Time
2.25–3.0 hr
Chimney Rock Boulders TrailModerate
Length
Not specified
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Chimney Rock State ParkEasy
Length
4+ mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Lake Lure Town Center WalkwayEasy
Length
0.5 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Little Bradley Falls TrailEasy
Length
1.9 mi one-way
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Rumbling Bald at Chimney Rock State Park TrailModerate
Length
1.5 mi
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Strawberry GapModerate
Length
5.1 mi
Elevation
1001–1200 ft
Est. Time
2.25–3.0 hr
Trombatore TrailStrenuous
Length
5 mi one-way
Elevation
1200+ ft
Est. Time
2.25–3.0 hr
Wildcat Rock / Little BearwallowStrenuous
Length
4.8 mi one-way
Elevation
1200+ ft
Est. Time
3.25–4.0 hr
Rutherford County
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexanders Ford | 2.5 mi loop | Moderate | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Broad River Greenway | 12.9 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Broad River Paddle Trail | 49 mi (multiple segments) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Buffalo Creek Park | 3.5 mi loop | Moderate | 501–800 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Crestview Park Walking Path | Not specified | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park | 3.5 mi (multiple trails) | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| FENCE Trails | 6 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Florence Nature Preserve | 5 mi (multiple trails) | Moderate | 1001–1200 ft | 2.25–3.0 hr |
| ICC Trails | 3.5 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway | 3.1 mi one-way | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Little White Oak Mountain | 3.5 mi | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Missing 40 Trail | 1 mi loop | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Morse Park Trails | 1 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Norman Wilder Forest | Not specified | Moderate | 501–800 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Old Fort Gateway Trails | 6 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Pearson's Falls | Not specified | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Purple Martin Greenway | Not specified | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Rocky Broad Riverwalk | 0.13 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Rutherford County Walking Path | 0.5 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Summey Park Walking Trails | 0.25 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Thermal Belt Rail Trail | 13.5 mi | Moderate | 201–500 ft | 4.25–5.0 hr |
| Vaughn Creek Greenway | 1.6 mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| Weed Patch Mountain Trail | 18.5 mi | Strenuous | 1200+ ft | 6.25+ hr |
| Young's Mountain Trail | 4.3 mi one-way | Moderate | 1001–1200 ft | 2.25–3.0 hr |
Alexanders FordModerate
Length
2.5 mi loop
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Broad River GreenwayEasy
Length
12.9 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Broad River Paddle TrailEasy
Length
49 mi (multiple segments)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Buffalo Creek ParkModerate
Length
3.5 mi loop
Elevation
501–800 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Crestview Park Walking PathEasy
Length
Not specified
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail ParkModerate
Length
3.5 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
FENCE TrailsEasy
Length
6 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Florence Nature PreserveModerate
Length
5 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
1001–1200 ft
Est. Time
2.25–3.0 hr
ICC TrailsEasy
Length
3.5 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba GreenwayEasy
Length
3.1 mi one-way
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Little White Oak MountainModerate
Length
3.5 mi
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Missing 40 TrailEasy
Length
1 mi loop
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Morse Park TrailsEasy
Length
1 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Norman Wilder ForestModerate
Length
Not specified
Elevation
501–800 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Old Fort Gateway TrailsEasy
Length
6 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Pearson's FallsEasy
Length
Not specified
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Purple Martin GreenwayEasy
Length
Not specified
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Rocky Broad RiverwalkEasy
Length
0.13 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Rutherford County Walking PathEasy
Length
0.5 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Summey Park Walking TrailsEasy
Length
0.25 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Thermal Belt Rail TrailModerate
Length
13.5 mi
Elevation
201–500 ft
Est. Time
4.25–5.0 hr
Vaughn Creek GreenwayEasy
Length
1.6 mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Weed Patch Mountain TrailStrenuous
Length
18.5 mi
Elevation
1200+ ft
Est. Time
6.25+ hr
Young's Mountain TrailModerate
Length
4.3 mi one-way
Elevation
1001–1200 ft
Est. Time
2.25–3.0 hr
Southern Rutherford
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowpens National Battlefield | 4.5 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| South Mountains Christian Camp | 3+ mi | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| South Mountains Game Lands | 20 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
| South Mountains State Park | 40 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
Cowpens National BattlefieldEasy
Length
4.5 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
South Mountains Christian CampEasy
Length
3+ mi
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
South Mountains Game LandsEasy
Length
20 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
South Mountains State ParkEasy
Length
40 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Northern Rutherford
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake James State Park | 25+ mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
Lake James State ParkEasy
Length
25+ mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Eastern Rutherford
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Game Lands | 16 mi (multiple trails) | Easy | 0–200 ft | 1.0–2.0 hr |
Green River Game LandsEasy
Length
16 mi (multiple trails)
Elevation
0–200 ft
Est. Time
1.0–2.0 hr
Distances, elevation, and time estimates come from the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition's own trail data, not our own measurements — conditions and access can change, so check their trails page before you go. Directory last verified 2026-08-28.
Planning a Hike
Trail conditions, closures, and access points change — especially after weather events. Call ahead or check current conditions before you go, particularly for anything reached through a free-access point rather than a maintained state park entrance.
More Trip Planning
Chimney RockChimney Rock Hiking TrailsAll ten trails at the park itself — distances, difficulty, and current closures.Things to DoThings to DoThe full activity guide for Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.Lake LureLake Lure GuideBoat rentals, the beach, and watersports on the lake.Trip PlanningTrip PlanningHow to structure your day and what to know before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hiking trails are near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock?
- Chimney Rock State Park alone has ten trails split across its main paid-access area and two free-access points. Zoom out to all of Rutherford County and the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition's directory lists 41 trails total, spanning easy in-town walkways to multi-mile backcountry systems like South Mountains State Park.
- What's the difference between the Chimney Rock trails and this county-wide list?
- Chimney Rock's trails are inside the state park (some require paid admission) and get their own dedicated guide with real-time closure status. This page covers everything else in Rutherford County — greenways, nature preserves, game lands, and other trail systems maintained by local parks and the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition.
- Where does the trail data on this page come from?
- The county-wide directory is sourced from the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (rutherfordoutdoor.org), the nonprofit that builds, maintains, and promotes trails across the county. We link out to their site rather than guessing at individual trail-page URLs.
- Which Rutherford County trail is the hardest?
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail (18.5 miles, 1,200+ ft elevation gain) and Wildcat Rock/Little Bearwallow (4.8 miles one-way, 1,200+ ft gain) are both rated Strenuous — the most demanding options in the directory. Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a long, easier alternative at 13.5 miles but rated Moderate.
Last updated: 2026-08-28