Thermal Belt Rail-Trail:
North Carolina
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Description:
If you enjoy rail-trails that flaunt their railroading past, you're sure to love the Thermal Belt Rail-Trail. This well-maintained route runs 8 miles from Spindale north to Gilkey, passing through the tiny towns of Rutherfordton and Ruth. Its crushed-stone surface barely disguises the old tracks and ties, which peek through all along the trail. Old railroad signs also line the corridor. At points, it seems little other than the actual train was removed when the line became a trail.

Pine trees provide both respite from the sun and a barrier from trailside traffic. Unfortunately, this area experiences heavy winds, and pine trees have shallow root systems, so downed trees often block the path. Those and the bumpy surface may discourage cyclists, though its flat grade accommodates walkers and joggers.

In Gilkey the Thermal Belt Rail-Trail merges with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The latter follows the route Colonial Patriots took from Virginia to join the battle at South Carolina's Kings Mountain. According to the National Park Service, 57 miles of this 330-mile trail system are open and signed. (Look for the white or brown-and-white triangular signs depicting a soldier in profile.) If you're visiting in October, you may want to check out the annual Overmountain Victory Trail March along this route.

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Parking & Trail Access:
In Spindale take Oakland Road to West Main Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of West Main and Kentucky Street. Park along the road. For more information, contact:

Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority
1990 US Highway 221 South
Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-1492

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Reviews: [5 trail ratings]
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great trail for training run
By toddhoke in December, 2010
Ran on the Thermal Belt Trail today as part of my training for a marathon. As another reviewer noted, the section north from Ruth is quieter and less trafficky, but waits at road crossings were no more than minor pauses. I'll have to come back for other seasons--it was lovely to see the mountains through the barren treetops, but I'm wondering how it is in spring with the budding, summer with the full leaf, and fall with the blazing color.

The drive from Hendersonville (via 64) is also quite nice. In warmer weather I'll stop and swim at Lake Lure or Chimney Rock.

I did think it was kind of odd that signage at road crossings was minimal/nonexistant. Seems like the local C of Cs would want to play up that they have this kind of thing right there for the using.
Good trail
By tlowen46 in October, 2010
This trail is a good trail, the conditions are better, the gravel is better than a couple of years ago, mainly because the inventors on this trail, used big gravel, hopefully one day someone in Rutherfordton, NC will paved some parts of this trail, and maintain the trail on a full time basis. As a local, i use this trail, and it is good training trail for running, the trail is better from Hwy 64 at Ruth, to the end at Gilkey Lumber Company, it is peaceful and the scenery is better there than the first mile or two at the start in Spindale which is more business, and you have to deal with crossing traffic at cross walks of the trail.
Rough
By warthog in July, 2010
I rode this trail in April and the condition of the trail was in poor shape. There wasn't many others using the trail. I rode on a hybrid and it was rough going. I may ride it again but it is not high on my list of rides.
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