Relive the railroading past and experience the newest rail-trail developed in Rutherford County, NC. Winding through historic sites and stopping points of interest, this scenic thoroughfare is lined with trees and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Foothills. Named after the area’s Isothermal weather phenomenon, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail serves as the county’s connective link, beginning in the community of Gilkey and weaving through four quintessential downtowns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Forest City, uniting communities and tourism destinations for experiences of all levels of enjoyment. When complete, the trail will cross four Main Streets, a section of the Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park.
Serving as the backbone of the county, the 13.58 mile, 12-foot wide civil site development was designed by Odom Engineering to include the trail, crossings, and parking. Odom secured the encroachment agreements with NCDOT, and an overpass agreement with CSX, and also developed erosion control plans for the entire corridor. In addition, Odom provided project management services, coordinated with local municipalities on all aspects of the trail design, and spearheaded the construction administration bidding. Through this process, Odom worked alongside Trail Partners and McGill Associates of Asheville, NC, who prepared the master plan and produced the facility and programming goals, creating a linear park for the County’s growing population. Providing funding, RHI Legacy Foundation, a grant-making organization that has a broad mission to make Rutherford County healthier, gave $4.5 million to the project. Local creative design and manufacturing specialists, Artifacturing, worked with NCDOT to create the crosswalk artwork visitors and residents see along the trail.
From Gilkey to the US Highway 74 bridge in Forest City, 12 miles of the trail is paved with the remaining section to be completed at the end of summer 2019. The greenway promotes an active lifestyle, health and wellness, and supports economic prosperity, offering a pathway for visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoors for walking, biking, strolling with young children and beloved pets, playgrounds, and ease of access to trailheads.
Parking and Trail Access
In Forest City, major access points will be at Forrest Hunt Elementary and the new Pavilion On Park Square.
In Spindale, take Oakland Road to East Main Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of East Main and Kentucky Street. Park along the road.
In Rutherfordton, parking is available at Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park (342 Gilboa Church Road) and at Fashion Circle, just north of Rock Road.
In Ruth on Railroad Avenue gravel parking is available along the trail.
For additional information visit www.facebook.com/ThermalBelt
Serving as the backbone of the county, the 13.58 mile, 12-foot wide civil site development was designed by Odom Engineering to include the trail, crossings, and parking. Odom secured the encroachment agreements with NCDOT, and an overpass agreement with CSX, and also developed erosion control plans for the entire corridor. In addition, Odom provided project management services, coordinated with local municipalities on all aspects of the trail design, and spearheaded the construction administration bidding. Through this process, Odom worked alongside Trail Partners and McGill Associates of Asheville, NC, who prepared the master plan and produced the facility and programming goals, creating a linear park for the County’s growing population. Providing funding, RHI Legacy Foundation, a grant-making organization that has a broad mission to make Rutherford County healthier, gave $4.5 million to the project. Local creative design and manufacturing specialists, Artifacturing, worked with NCDOT to create the crosswalk artwork visitors and residents see along the trail.
From Gilkey to the US Highway 74 bridge in Forest City, 12 miles of the trail is paved with the remaining section to be completed at the end of summer 2019. The greenway promotes an active lifestyle, health and wellness, and supports economic prosperity, offering a pathway for visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoors for walking, biking, strolling with young children and beloved pets, playgrounds, and ease of access to trailheads.
Parking and Trail Access
In Forest City, major access points will be at Forrest Hunt Elementary and the new Pavilion On Park Square.
In Spindale, take Oakland Road to East Main Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of East Main and Kentucky Street. Park along the road.
In Rutherfordton, parking is available at Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park (342 Gilboa Church Road) and at Fashion Circle, just north of Rock Road.
In Ruth on Railroad Avenue gravel parking is available along the trail.
For additional information visit www.facebook.com/ThermalBelt
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