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Looking for a place to take a scenic stroll or go for a leisurely bike ride? Then head on over to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in North Carolina! This 3.5-mile-long trail runs along an abandoned railroad line and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail
You’ll love the Thermal Belt Rail Trail if you enjoy rail trails with their railroading history and style.
Gilkey is where the trail begins and goes to Forrest Hunt Elementary in Forest City, thanks to a recent extension.
The trail passes through the beautiful small towns of Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Ruth. You need to take this route if you want a tour that takes you through some beautiful and fascinating history. The Bechtler Mint site is the highlight of the route.
Gilkey’s Thermal Belt Rail Trail merges with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
The thermal belt rail trail is a great way to enjoy the scenery outdoors
The trail is located in the thermal belt region of North Carolina, and it offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys of the area. The trail is also a great place to get some exercise, as it is open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a shared-use path that meanders through the piedmont of North Carolina for nearly 33 miles, providing hikers, bicyclists, and other non-motorized trail users opportunities to commune with nature, view local wildlife and historical sites and get some exercise. Most of the trail is built on an old railbed, hence its name, and is mostly flat with a few gentle grades.
The trail offers a variety of scenery, from forests to fields
The trail offers a variety of scenery, from forests to fields. The southern section features hardwood and evergreen forests, while the northern section highlights farmland and open fields. Rural landscapes predominate, but the trail also passes through small towns, including Hamlet, home to the Richmond County Courthouse.
The trail is a great place to see wildlife
The trail is a great place to see wildlife. You’ll likely see deer, rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs along the path. The trail is also a great place to see birds. You might see warblers, flycatchers, wrens, and sparrows in the spring and summer. You might see finches, grosbeaks, and cardinals in the fall and winter.
The trail is a great place to get some exercise
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a great place to get some exercise and take in the sights and sounds of nature. The trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and birders and is a great way to escape the life’s hustle and bustle. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The trail is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The trail is open from dawn to dusk, and is perfect for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the ride.
The trail is a great place to take your dog for a walk
The trail is scenic and offers a variety of terrain, from gravel paths to wooded areas. There are also benches along the trail where you can rest and enjoy the view.
The trail is excellent for taking your kids for a walk or hike
The thermal belt rail trail is great for taking your kids for a walk or hike. The trail is located in the thermal belt region of North Carolina and offers beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is also home to many different species of plants and animals, so your kids can learn about the local wildlife while they enjoy the outdoors.
Where to Park on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail?
Take Oakland Road to East Main Street in Spindale. The library has a parking lot, but don’t park there — it’s too crowded.
If you’re in Rutherford County and looking for an exciting hike, look for the “park and trail” signs along the roads. The park is located just off Rte.
In Forrest City, you can park at Forrest Hunt Elementary School. It’s on the corner of 100 Forrest W Hunt and Forrest Drive.
