Recreation

Because of the area’s moderate climate, there is an abundance of outdoor activities that provide year-round enjoyment.

Like to fish? There’s a river for that.

Want to swim in a cool mountain stream or river? You will not have to go far to find one.

Have little ones who would enjoy the swings or jungle gym? We have several municipal parks and fields of play.

Want to experience the challenge of a new golf course? You can do several rounds at our local courses.

Whether you are a fitness fanatic who wants to hit the tough trails, or you just want to spend time in a slow-paced float down the river, we have it all, right here.

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.

Lake Adger

Lake Adger is stocked with muskies as part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources fish-stocking program as well as having bass. The muskies are raised at the Table Rock State Fish Hatchery and the juvenile fish are released into Lake Adger in October with an average size of 8 to 18 inches in length.

FISHING LICENSE AND SUPPLIES:

North Carolina fishing regulations can be found online at ncwildlife.org or by consulting the Regulations Digest for North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping. The regulations digest and fishing licenses can be obtained locally at the following locations:

Crossroads Outdoors

Arledge Business Plaza, 82 Highway 9 N., Mill Spring 828-899-0333

MA Pace General Store

60 E. Main St., Saluda 828-749-2401

McGuinn’s Store

4884 Highway 9, Mill Spring 828-625-4755

Silver Creek Campground

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

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 Adger

The county-owned lake has public access to swimming, fishing and boating. The marina is located off Silver Creek Road in Mill Spring. There are boat motor size restrictions. No waterskiing or jetskiing permitted. Kayaks and canoes, fishing, and pontoon boats are allowed.

KAYAKING, TUBING, CANOEING, ZIP LINING

The Green River is home to the world class narrows race for championed kayakers, and is also known as a relaxing spot for tubing and canoeing. Several access points are available on class I though class V rapids.

Canopy Ridge Farm

Take to the air and soar through the green forests of the Blue Ridge Foothills on a Zipline Tour or keep your feet on the ground and for a thrilling scenic ground level UTV tour. 7115 US-64, Lake Lure 828-625-4500

Green River Cove

There are two public access areas to the Green River, Fish Top and Big Rock, which offer kayaking, tubing, hiking and other activities. Swimming is not allowed and is illegal (a misdemeanor) at any wildlife access area.

Green River Adventures

Guided day trips are offered as well as classes for whitewater kayaking. 111 East Main St., Saluda 828-749-2800

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

TAKE THE PLUNGE!

The Gorge –- America’s steepest and fastest zipline canopy tour -- offers a thrilling tree-based aerial adventure in Saluda. Begin your experience perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge and plunge into untouched wilderness. Descend an unprecedented 1,100 vertical feet in elevation zipping from tree-top to tree-top on 11 ziplines, traversing a sky-bridge, and descending three huge rappels, all through stunning old growth forest, overlooking 18,000 acres of protected Green River Gamelands.

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

Zip Line Adventures

The Gorge offers a unique and thrilling tree-based zip line canopy adventure in the famous Green River Gorge. 166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda 828-749-2500

WALKING TRAILS & PLAYGROUNDS

Walking has tremendous health and mental benefits, and the Foothills area has plenty of spaces designated for walking and hiking at all levels. From paved walking tracks at schools to true hiking trails that are longer, and often hilly, Polk County and Landrum have many options for a leisurely walk, a mountainous hike or a playground to take children.

COLUMBUS

Adawehi Institute

Adawehi’s hiking trails are an easy walk that meanders along White Oak Creek, past an abundance of native plants and the occasional wild turkey. There are two trailheads to start your 1.5-mile hike. Begin at the parking lot just below the Main Community Building or you can begin at the Adawehi parking lot off Smith Dairy Road. Trails are open every day during daylight hours. 93 Adawehi Lane 828-894-5260

Green Creek Family Life Center

Paved walking trail Green Creek Drive and Coxe Road, Green Creek

Isothermal Community College Trail

Primary access is from Polk County Public Library/ Isothermal Community College parking lot. 1255 W. Mills St.

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 Drive

Polk County High School Track

Regulation size paved oval running track 1681 N. Highway 108

Stearns Park

Includes a paved walking path loop and Stearns Gym with indoor recreational activities East Mills Street/Highway 108,

LANDRUM

Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Eastern and most northern section begins with Foothills Equestrian Nature Center trails, then connects with country roads and sidewalks through downtown Landrum and around Lake Lanier, continuing from Dug Hill Road to Vaughn’s Gap where it connects to the Poinsett Reservoir Passage.

Brookwood Park

Half-mile paved walking path, some shaded, and a playground. East Rutherford Street/ Highway 14

MILL SPRING

Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford

The preserve is a quiet country respite that includes picnic areas, a 2.6-mile round trip loop trail to the Green River and a preserved mature forest. The trail is part of the route 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. County Line and Gray’s roads

Polk Central Elementary School

Half-mile nature trail with educational markers. 2141 Highway 9 South 828-894-8233

Polk County Middle School Track

Paved regulation sized oval outdoor track. 321 Wolverine Trail 828-894-2215

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, 828-894-8199

Sunny View Elementary School Playground

86 Sunny View Road 828-625-4530

SALUDA

Bradley Nature Preserve

Nine-plus-acre tract, shares trailhead with Lazy Girl Loop Trail at intersection of Esseola Drive and Substation (near Autumn Care). Intersection of Esseola Drive and Substation Road

FALL IN LOVE WITH NATURE

Pearson’s Falls is a lovely escape at any time of year, but during the spring, it is an especially beautiful destination. The hike from the parking lot is about a quarter mile and is considered easy. Along the way, take in the autumn leaves and winding trail, all lovingly maintained by the Tryon Garden Club. More details are online at PearsonsFalls.org.

Lazy Girl Loop Trail

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

Little Bradley Falls Trail

Two-mile moderate out and back hike crosses and follows Big Cove Creek, leading to 40foot Little Bradley Falls located in the Green River Game Lands. Holbert Cove Road

McCreery Park

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

Tryon Missing 40 Trace

The 1-mile moderate to difficult loop 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. White blazes mark the trail throughout. Trailhead is on Pearson’s Falls Road

Norman Wilder Forest

Managed by the Pacolet Area Conservancy, trails are located in 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. Highway176 between Tryon and Saluda

Pearson’s Falls

A 268-acre botanical preserve owned and maintained by the Tryon Garden Club, trail is ¼-mile walk to a 90-foot waterfall. 2720 Pearson’s Falls Road, 828-749-3031

Saluda Elementary School playground and tennis courts

214 E. Main St.

Trails of the Green River Game Lands

The Green River Game Lands consist of 18,639 acres of wilderness, with nine named trails that have signs at each trail connection. Hunting is allowed in the Green River Game Lands and all information on seasons and regulations can be found at ncwildlife. org. The trails of the Game Lands are better suited to more experienced hikers. Big Hungry Road or Green River Cove Road

TRYON

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center

Five miles of hiking and riding trails located on 390-acre tract; Wildwood Trail is 0.3 miles, paved and handicap accessible. 3381 Hunting Country Road, 828-859-9021

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 and stables. 117 Harmon Field Road, 828-859-5784

Vaughn Creek Greenway

The Vaughn Creek Greenway features an easy walking trail of approximately ¾-mile along picturesque Vaughn Creek, which offers many woodland views and beautiful cascades, including Sillar’s Falls near the trailhead. 884 New Market Road 828-859-5784

Woodland Park

Approximately 10 acres of natural park located just off Chestnut Street providing hiking trails through unspoiled forest. 262 Chestnut St.

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 Ross-designed course is a nine-hole golf club where members walk or ride, play nine, 12 or 18 holes, and rarely wait for the tee. Do not let its size fool you — tests await at every turn. The Ross 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

BIKING

Whether you are a casual recreational rider or a hard-core long distance enthusiast, there are some amazing rides, routes and events in the Foothills. From the Assault on Mount Mitchell, the Climb to Conquer Cancer (on the Saluda Grade), the Metric Century Tour, and the Tour De Leaves, to the easier loops around Lake Lanier, bikers of all levels will find appropriate challenges. Need route suggestions? Visit MapMyRide.com, an online resource for sharing ride suggestions and routes.

MEADOWBROOK GOLF CLUB

Meadowbrook Golf Club was built in 1963 and is located in the Green Creek area of Polk County. It has been family owned and operated by the Deck family since it opened. The course was designed by William B. Lewis, and has a full 18 hole layout, utilizing four sets of tee placements on each hole. The owner, William H. Deck, is the general manager and the top golf pro available by appointment. Visit meadowbrookgolfclub.com for information on specials, to book online, and to see videos of the complete course.