Rutherford Weekly

Page 2 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, October 12-October 18, 2023 The popular White Squirrel Hiking Challenge is back. Participants are invited to take on eight hikes, all on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped protect, enhance, or open to the public. White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 7 includes a stunning new trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge, a waterfall in North Carolina's newest state forest, the breathtaking World's Edge cliffs in Chimney Rock State Park, and more. H i k e r s who take the c h a l l e n g e will get to experience eight special places, including some that only opened to the public in the last few years. They will discover hidden gems away from the crowds, e x p e r i e n c e lovely waterfalls and mountain views, and connect on a deeper level with our natural world. They can also earn their White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 7 patch as a badge of honor and perks from Mast General Store. The eight hikes are: Bearwallow Mountain Trail Strawberry Gap Trail DuPont Loop: Quarry and Rocky Bald World's Edge in Chimney Rock State Park Green River Game Lands Loop to Stairstep Falls Gravely Falls in Headwaters State Forest Foothills Equestrian Nature Center Trails Alexander's Ford in Bradley Nature Preserve Each of these hikes is a testament to how land conservation can enrich all of our lives. For example, when Headwaters State Forest opened to the public in 2018, it created a new 6,730-acre wonderland to explore. Bearwallow Mountain and Strawberry Gap are both part of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail that Conserving Carolina is spearheading- a growing network of trails that will ultimately span over 100 miles. Other hikes are on public lands that Conserving Carolina has expanded with recent projects. White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 7 is sponsored by the conservation-focused real estate fi rm Witherspoon Platt + Associates (WPA). John Witherspoon, broker- in-charge, says, "At WPA, we are avid supporters of Conserving Carolina and their mission to protect our environment and facilitate experiences with the natural world. We are excited to be an active part of this year's Hiking Challenge because it will provide people with an incredible opportunity to be outside and to enjoy the beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home." This challenge is free and open to all. However, to earn your White Squirrel patch and perks from Mast General Store, you must also be a Conserving Carolina member. Individuals who donate $35 or more, or households that donate $60 or more, annually are Conserving Carolina members. Conserving Carolina members can take pride as they hike, knowing that they are helping to protect amazing places like these for everyone to enjoy, forever. To learn more about the Hiking Challenge and get started, go to c o n s e r v i n g c a r o l i n a . o r g / hiking-challenge-7. In addition to the White Squirrel Hiking Challenge, Conserving Carolina also offers the Flying Squirrel Outdoor Challenge. The Flying Squirrel Outdoor Challenge offers a wider variety of outdoor activities and can be tailored to any ability level. In this challenge, people choose eight out of 13 outdoor activities. The options include moderate hikes, bike paths, greenways, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, forest bathing, and volunteer workdays. ©Community First Media Community First Media Annual Annual Mountain Creek Mountain Creek Baptist Church Baptist Church October 14 October 14 4-7pm 4-7pm Adults Adults $ 12 • Kids 6-12 12 • Kids 6-12 $ 6 • Under 6 free 6 • Under 6 free Take out available. Take out available. Proceeds used for local missions. Proceeds used for local missions. • PULLED PORK BBQ • HUSH PUPPIES • RED SLAW • POTATO SALAD • BAKED BEANS • MAC-N-CHEESE • WHITE SLAW • HOTDOGS • HOMEMADE DESSERTS 710 Mountain Creek Road, 710 Mountain Creek Road, Rutherfordton Rutherfordton Mountain Village Mountain Village Chalets & Cabins Chalets & Cabins ~FOR RENT~ ~FOR RENT~ 1 to 5 Bedrooms All Have Hot Tubs & Fireplaces 950 Main St. Chimney Rock, NC 704-472-3100 704-214-4180 704-472-5219 CLEGHORN GOLF CLEGHORN GOLF AND SPORTS CLUB AND SPORTS CLUB 11am lunch • 12 shotgun start Help us as we Honor and Remember Help us as we Honor and Remember all US Veterans at our 3rd Annual Golf all US Veterans at our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament. All tournament proceeds Tournament. All tournament proceeds will directly benefi t Rutherford County will directly benefi t Rutherford County Veterans via the Veterans Relief Fund, Veterans via the Veterans Relief Fund, administered by Marine Corp League, Detachment 1221. administered by Marine Corp League, Detachment 1221. Contributions for sponsorship are tax deductible. Contributions for sponsorship are tax deductible. Cash or Checks Please Cash or Checks Please Make checks payable to: Make checks payable to: MCL Detachment 1221 MCL Detachment 1221 PO Box 1293, Forest City, NC 28043 PO Box 1293, Forest City, NC 28043 Veterans Day Veterans Day Golf Tournament Golf Tournament Friday, November 10 Friday, November 10 183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton 183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton 828-286-9117 828-286-9117 CALL TROY 828-447-8526 ©Community First Media Community First Media Course Sponsor $125 Clubhouse Sponsor $250 Team Sponsor $600 Also accepting raffl e items Other sponsorship levels available. Call for details. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. White Squirrel Hiking Challenge returns; Open to all Chimney Rock - World's Edge. Kevin Adams Photo. Green River Game Lands. Michael Mascari- All trails. Alexanders Ford re-enactors. Photo Contributed. Alexia Perez-Sanchez on Bearwallow. Rose Lane Photo. Fast Way Oil Kids Corner...............15 Community Calendar.....................15 Business & Services Directory........7 Obituaries................................18-19 Local Churches............................16 Outdoor Truths................................9 Classified Ads.........................22-23 Rutherford County Weather...........14 I n s i d e T h i s W e e k I n s i d e T h i s W e e k

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