RECREATION

Hiking Trails

Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1.3 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located near the intersection of County Line Rd. and Gray’s Rd.

The Preserve was acquired through multiple grants to help tell the story of the Overmountain Men, a rag-tag group of area militia that chased down a British general during the Revolutionary War and won a pivotal battle at Kings Mountain. The old roadbed that is now the Preserve’s main trail is believed to be the exact location of their trip.

Little Bradley Falls Trail

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1 mile each way, Difficulty: Moderate, Parking: Located off Holbert Cove Rd. The Little Bradley Falls Trail is a moderate

1-mile trail to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall located in the Green River Game Lands. A little more than a quarter mile into the trail there is flagging on a tree on the right side, hikers should continue this way, crossing a small creek to stay on the trail. Another creek crossing awaits hikers shortly after the first in about ankle deep water. Red blazes mark the trail, but some are fading and hard to see.

Bradley Nature Preserve

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 1.5 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located at the intersection of Esseola Dr. and Substation Rd.

The Lazy Girl Loop is an easy trail that runs through the woods of the Bradley Nature Preserve. There is a Connector Trail that links the Lazy Girl Loop to Laurel Drive. Dogs are not allowed on the lower loop sections of the trail.

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE)

Trail type: Loop Trail System, Length: 5-6 miles of trail , Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, Parking: 3381 Hunting Country Rd. The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is located on a beautiful 380-acre nature preserve. There are leisurely trails for both hikers and horseback riders on the property. More info: FENCE.org.

Green River Game Lands

Trail type: 9 Connected Trails, Length: 14.3 miles total, Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, Parking: Can be accessed from the North via Big Hungry Rd. or from the South via Green River Cove Rd. The Green River Game Lands consist of 18,639 acres of wilderness. Nine named trails run through the Game Lands that have signs at each trail connection, blue blazes that mark the trails. Hunting is allowed. More info: ncwildlife.org. The trails are better suited to more experienced hikers.

Isothermal Community College Loop

Trail type: Loop, Length: 0.5 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Located off NC Hwy 108 in the ICC/Library Parking lot

This easy 0.5-mile trail is located behind Isothermal Community College. It connects to St. Luke’s Tom Raymond Fitness Trail. A great trail for kids or to stretch your legs during the day!

Norman Wilder Forest

Trail type: 5 trails, Loop, Length: 2 to 3 miles of trail, Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous, Parking: Located off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda. Norman Wilder Forest is a 185-acre protected forest on the slopes of Little Warrior Mountain. It is composed of mature third growth mixed hardwoods managed by Conserving Carolina. This forest is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, birds, and mammals. Drip Falls also provides a unique environment and is a haven for salamanders. There are multiple trails of varying difficulty to explore.

Round Mountain

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.5 mile each way, Difficulty: Strenuous, Parking: Located off Howard Gap Rd. between Warrior Mountain Church and the bridge over I-26. There is currently about 0.5 miles of completed trail with a small picnic area at the beginning of the trail.

Poinsett Reservoir Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 6.6 miles, Difficulty: Moderate , Parking: The parking area is inside a split rail fence just off Fork Creek Rd. At the other end of the open RV camping area is the trailhead kiosk. More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 14 miles, Difficulty: East to west, miles 0-6, easy; miles 6-12, moderate; miles 1214, strenuous., Parking: FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Rd., Tryon. The eastern trailhead is located at FENCE. Country roads and sidewalks take the hiker through downtown Landrum and around Lake Lanier. The Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment at miles 12 to 14 climbs steeply and abruptly to Vaughns Gap (trailhead for Poinsett Reservoir Passage). More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Saluda Mountains Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Trail type: One way hiking trail, Length: 9.1 miles , Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous , Parking: Orchard Lake Campground & Talisman Camp Runs along the ridge defining the northern perimeter of the Poinsett Watershed and the border betwe en the Carolinas. The 19,000-acre watershed is a pristine wilderness area with remarkable habitat for rare plants and animals, including the threatened Peregrine falcon. More info: PalmettoConservation.org

Pearson’s Falls & Glen

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.25 mile each way,

Difficulty: Moderate, Parking: 2748 Pearson Falls Road

Pearson’s Falls is located on a 268-acre botanical reserve with moderate hiking to a beautiful 90-foot waterfall. This lush forest is home to some 200 species of wildflowers and plants. Small admission fee, no dogs are allowed. More info: pearsonsfalls.org.

Tom Raymond Fitness Trail

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.4 miles each way,

Difficulty: Easy, Parking: St. Luke’s Hospital

The Tom Raymond Fitness trail is located behind St. Luke’s Hospital and features 8 fitness stations along the wide gravel trail. This trail connects to the Isothermal Community College Loop.

Tryon Missing 40 Trace

Trail type: Loop, Length: 1 mile, Difficulty: Moderate , Parking: Between Tryon and Saluda on Pearson’s Falls Rd.

The Tryon Missing 40 Trace is set in the beautiful Pacolet River Gorge. The trail starts at the convergence of Joles Creek and the North Pacolet River, it continues next to the river and features two unassisted river crossings in about ankle high water. Taking the trail to the right is recommended to save river crossings for the end of the hike. White blazes mark the trail throughout.

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Vaughn Creek Greenway

Trail type: Out and back, Length: 0.8 miles each way, Difficulty: Easy, Parking: Off New Market Rd. in Tryon, a small, open field about 300 feet from the trailhead

This easy 0.8-mile trail takes hikers through a beautiful, wooded area along Vaughn Creek. Not far into the hike, visitors can see Siller’s Falls on their left. The trail ends at a large tunnel that Vaughn Creek flows through. A short trail goes from the picnic shelter to Siller’s Falls.

Woodland Park

Trail type: Loop, Length: 1 mile, Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, Parking: Two entrances, one off Chestnut St., Tryon and one behind the Tryon IGA

Woodland Park is a nice escape into the woods, close to downtown Tryon. There is about 1 mile of trail with several small loops, located in a beautiful patch of woods featuring many large hardwoods and pines.

Walking Paths

Adawehi Wellness Village

Easy forest walking path with Labyrinth.

93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus, 828-894-5260, Adawehi.com

Green Creek Family Life Center

Paved walking trail

Green Creek Dr. and Coxe Rd., Green Creek

Isothermal Community College Trail

Primary access is from Polk County Public Library/Isothermal Community College parking lot.

1255 W. Mills St., Columbus

Tom Raymond Fitness Trail

Easy footpath features fitness stations as well as an attractive hardwood forest setting, primary access is from St. Luke’s Hospital back parking lot.

101 Hospital Dr., Columbus

Polk County High School Track

Regulation size paved oval running track

1681 N. Hwy. 108, Columbus

Stearns Park

Includes a paved walking path loop (0.2 mi) and Stearns Gym with indoor recreational activities

125 East Mills St., Columbus

Brookwood Park

Half-mile paved walking path, some shaded, and a playground. East Rutherford St./Hwy. 14 in Landrum

192 Hospital Drive, Columbus, NC 28722

800-624-6575•828-894-3037•www.carolinaeyemd.com

Polk Central Elementary School

Half-mile nature trail with educational markers.

2141 Highway 9 South

Polk County Middle School Track

Paved regulation sized oval outdoor track.

321 Wolverine Trail

Polk County Recreation Complex

Includes paved walking path loop, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic shelters, large playground and fishing pond access.

223 Wolverine Drive

Sunny View Elementary School Playground

86 Sunny View Road

Lazy Girl Loop Trail

Accessible from Laurel Drive, Saluda, easy 1-mile trail (one way), no dogs allowed.

McCreery Park

A busy playground and park located in the heart of Saluda at the intersection of Greenville and Maple Streets that features swings, slides and an obstacle course, as well as a covered picnic area and gazebo.

Norman Wilder Forest

Managed by Conserving Carolina, trails are located on 185 acres of mature third growth mixed hardwood on the slopes of Little Warrior Mountain. Trail has bridges, steps and loops. Plan on a 2 to 3-mile hike. Located off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda.

Saluda Elementary School playground and tennis courts

214 E. Main St.

Harmon Field

Thirty-six acres containing paved walking path loop with a fitness course, paved oval walking track, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, picnic shelter and cabin, equestrian riding rings, a dog park, stables, disc golf course, and Pacolet River beach access. 117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon.

Fishing

POLK COUNTY HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS:

• North Pacolet River from Pacolet Falls to Highway 108 bridge

• Fork Creek Church on SR 1100 to North Pacolet River

• Big Fall Creek portion above water supply reservoir

• Green River from the Henderson County line to mouth of Bright’s Creek

• Little Cove Creek

• Big Fall Creek (portion below water supply reservoir)

• Cove Creek

• Camp Creek (Henderson County line Green River)

Laughter Pond

Laughter Pond, located at the Polk County Recreation Complex in Mill Spring, provides public fishing and is stocked with catfish. There are no size restrictions on catfish, and the daily limit is six catfish per licensed person per day.

Public Swimming

The Foothills area is known for its mountains and rivers, but also has public swimming opportunities. The area is home to nearby lakes, the Green River, Pacolet River and a countyowned outdoor swimming pool.

Gibson Park Pool

Public swimming pool. Fee for pool use. Annual pass available. 236 Park St., Columbus 828-894-2646

Harmon Field Beach

Public river swimming and a public park with playgrounds 828-859-5784

Lake Lure Beach

Mountain lake featuring a traditional sand beach, and a kids’ park with waterslide and water games.

2724 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure 828-625-0077

KAYAKING, TUBING, CANOEING, ZIP LINING

Wilderness Cove Tubing and Campground

River tube rentals available May through September with prices including shuttles to the campground. Open seven days a week.

3772 Green River Cove, Saluda 828-749-9100

Silver Creek Campground and Whitewater Outfitters

Whitewater rafting, canoeing, tube rentals and paintball are available. The campground also offers fishing classes for campers, including instructions on fly-fishing, bait casters and knot tying.

3111 Silver Creek Road, Mill Spring 828-894-2331

The Gorge Zipline

The Gorge offers a unique and thrilling tree-based zipline canopy adventure in the famous Green River Gorge.

166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda 828-749-2500

Green River Tubing

During peak season, tubers can float the deliciously cool river Monday - Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm. Three mile trips between 10 am - 3 pm and six mile trips from 10 am - 1 pm.

5200 Green River Cove Rd., Saluda

828-749-378, GreenRiverCoveTubing.com

Green River Adventures

Guided whitewater kayaking, self-guided kayaking, waterfall rappelling, paddleboarding, zipline adventures, kayak instruction and gear rentals.

111 East Main St., Saluda

828-749-2800, GreenRiverAdventures.com

Lake Adger

Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe or tube to enjoy this calm 438 acre lake. There is an 80 horsepower limit on pontoon boats and a 60 horsepower restriction on any other watercraft; no jet skis or water skiing is permitted on the lake. Swimming and fishing are permitted.

Boat ramp at 4741 Lake Adger Rd., Mill Spring.

Living Waters Tubing

Tube rentals, a beach for relaxing and picnicking, and a Sundae Shack are all you will need for a great day on the Green River! Bring your sunscreen and river shoes, and let your troubles float away.

5153 Green River Cove Rd., Saluda

828-749-0147, LivingWatersTubing.com

Golf Courses

Links O’ Tryon

This Tom Jackson 6,800-yard course allows you to feel like you are visiting Scotland, Pinehurst and Pebble Beach in one day! Nestled in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, the course winds through rolling countryside with spectacular mountain and water views. The fairways are challenging and playable for all levels of golfers.

11250 New Cut Road, Campobello

864-468-5099

Meadowbrook Golf Club

The 6,700-yard course rolls gently up hills and down through meadows with Henson and Davis Creeks, creating challenging holes on both nines. The golf course at Meadowbrook Golf Club is characterized by its tree-lined fairways and abundance of water. Both creeks and two ponds come into play on 10 holes. Stretching to just over 6,700 yards from the back tees (blue) and offering four tee boxes, Meadowbrook’s golf course is ready to test the skills of both young and old, as well as the novice and experienced golfer.

1211 Meadowbrook Road, Rutherfordton 828-863-2690

Tryon Country Club

The Donald Ross-designed course is a nine-hole golf club where members walk or ride, play 9, 12 or 18 holes, and rarely wait for the tee. Do not let its size fool you — tests await at every turn. The layout rewards well-struck shots on its Bermuda fairways, though the trademark bent-grass greens are well-bunkered and unforgiving to errant approach shots. A stream running through the property often comes into play. 393 Country Club Road, Tryon 828-859-9561

To provide residents with convenient options for recycling and to help reduce waste going to the landfill, Polk County’s Mobile Recycling Service offers multiple drop-off locations throughout the county several days a week.

As a service of the Polk County Solid Waste Transfer Station & Recycling Center, Mobile Recycling units are set up to accept recyclables from 7 a.m. to noon these days of the week at the following locations:

• Monday – In Tryon at Harmon Field

• Tuesday – In Saluda at the corner of Ozone Drive and Hwy. 176

• Every other Wednesday – In Green Creek at the Green Creek Fire Dept.

• Thursday – In Columbus on Mills Street across from the Polk County Courthouse

The Mobile Recycling Service operates all days as scheduled except on New Year’s Day,