November Newsletter
Welcome to all of our new and returning ROC members and sponsors!
Ross Martin
Carrie Rutherford
Eleanor Will
The support we receive from memberships helps us to continue improving local trails, lead group hikes and river floats, and create new outdoor programs. Membership is only $35 for individuals and families, and $100 for businesses. We also offer multiple sponsorship opportunities for businesses to help expand and enhance outdoor recreation in Rutherford County.
Members get discounts at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Barley’s Taproom, Copper Penny, Main Street Coffee, The Scoop, and recently added: Grumpy’s Bike Shop! Grumpy’s is located across the street from the ROC Office on W. Main St. in Spindale. Check them out for all your biking needs and great service!
Click the link below for more details about becoming a member.
Broad River Water Sampling
|
|
| ROC partnered up with Broad Riverkeeper to take multiple rounds of Broad River water samples in the aftermath of Helene, and there is encouraging news on the road to recovery. Results at all sites show bacteria levels have returned to safe conditions. This is huge progress after bacteria levels spiked following the failure of the Lake Lure sewage plant during the floods. The water’s height has begun to drop as well, another positive sign of recovery for our river.
While this is all encouraging news, please continue to use caution and stay out of the river until further notice. The water remains turbid and there are likely many debris and hazards that are yet to be seen. Check out the full panel of results on the right, with many thanks to Broad Riverkeeper for the data. Stay safe and stay tuned for updates on the river’s recovery! |
|
Have you found debris along the Broad River? ROC is gathering information about the following to share with local partners and help develop a plan for river restoration:
- Large amounts of litter and debris
- Pollution sources
- Downed or hanging trees
- Extreme erosion or landslides
- Large objects in the water (cars, boats, building debris, metal)
Send a picture and GPS coordinates to info@rutherfordoutdoor.org or submit a report here. Please avoid entering the river at this time, and only take pictures from riverbanks if you are able to do so safely. Thank you for helping heal our river! |
|
Thermal Belt Rail Trail: OPEN!
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is clear of trees and now fully passable. Please proceed with caution as there are still overhanging and protruding trees remaining. Many thanks to Rutherford County Government, Town of Spindale, Town of Forest City, Town of Rutherfordton, and all who contributed to the re-opening of the trail! |
|
| Purple Martin Greenway: OPEN!
The Purple Martin Greenway is clear of trees and open for use. Thank you to Ruff’ton Roots, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Town of Rutherfordton Public Works, and all who helped make this happen! |
|
|
|
|
| Isothermal Community College
A number of trails at ICC are open now with many thanks to our hardworking volunteers and staff! See the trail work update below for more info. As more of the trails are cleared, ROC will keep you posted. |
|
| Buffalo Creek Park
The trails at Buffalo Creek Park are CLOSED. There have been multiple landslides and many trees have fallen. This trail will be closed for the foreseeable future. |
|
|
|
|
| Weedpatch Mountain Trail
The Weedpatch Mountain Trail is CLOSED. Due to the high amount of trees and landslides, the trail is impassable. ROC will be evaluating the repairs for this trail in the coming weeks. |
|
| Surrounding Area Trails
Many trails in our area are closed, but a number have reopened this month with hopefully more to come soon. Check out updates on the areas below!
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Partially Open
- Pisgah National Forest: Partially Open
- Pisgah Ranger District is open but the Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts remain closed. Check the Pisgah Ranger District visitor center near Brevard for the most up to date trails info.
- NC State Parks: Partially Open
- Crowder’s Mountain State Park
- Gorges State Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Lake Norman State Park
- Rendezvous Mountain State Park
|
|
|
|
 
|
| ROC began our trail restoration efforts in mid-October, with many trees down on the Dittmer-Watts and Isothermal Community College trails. While Dittmer-Watts was cleared with the help of the National Guard and Camp Lurecrest volunteers, ICC has been a huge project for us and our volunteers.
Our first workday was with students from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, who helped us limb branches of trees, move branches and logs, and rake leaves and debris from the path. Work continued with multiple groups of volunteers throughout this month, clearing the east trails of nearly all trees and blockages. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, these trails (Blue East, Yellow, and Orange) are now open for the public to enjoy! See the map below for which trails are open (circled in green) and which trails are still closed (marked with red Xs).
Want to help restore our beautiful trails? Join our trail volunteer email list here and be redirected to our Facebook to check for upcoming workdays, or contact Maddie at trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org to get involved. |
|
| Don’t miss an exciting trail run at the next Race in the ROC Race Series: South of the Mountains 5K Trail Run! Click the link to register today. There are only 3 races left in this year’s Race Series! Be sure to check out the schedule on our website and register so you don’t miss them.
If you’d like to receive the Race Series Newsletter and stay in the loop, click here to automatically join the list. To volunteer with ROC at one of these races, contact Gabe at gabe@rutherfordoutdoor.org. |
|
| Love our local trails and Broad River? Be a part of ROC’s mission to keep our local trails and waterway healthy and safe for recreation! Your support allows us to expand our efforts and adapt to the needs that arise daily. This fund contributes directly to tools, supplies, and protective equipment as we tackle the challenges of restoring our trails and river. |
|
PO Box 1349
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-351-3235
|
|
|
Get Outdoors!
Our monthly newsletters keep you informed and help you find ways to Get Outdoors! Inside each newsletter you will find insightful news and information on our Race Series, recent events and upcoming events with ways for you to participate and even volunteer. Sign up below for a wealth of information on Rutherford County trails and events.
PO Box 1349 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 
