Celebrating a Shared Vision/A Community Milestone
For years, the Broad River was Rutherford County’s hidden gem – visible, but just out of reach. Now, two new launch points offer improved access to one of the region’s greatest natural assets.
DbD joined community leaders to commemorate the opening of the sites. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community paddle event marked the next chapter of a project years in the making, transforming a long-held vision into a vibrant recreational asset.
First identified in the 2018 Rutherford Bound Tourism Master Plan, the Broad River Paddle Trail is a multi-phase initiative designed to connect people with the land and water that define Rutherford County.
With the addition of the 221 and 221A sites, paddlers can now enjoy more than 14 continuous miles of river – linking these new launch points with earlier put-ins at Gray’s Road and Coxe Road. Together, the access sites form the foundation for a trail system that will eventually span nearly 41 miles, from the Lake Lure Dam to the Duke Energy Plant near Cliffside.
For Rutherford County native Jenna Bailey, founder of Keep Rutherford County Beautiful, the project represents more than just access to the river – it’s a source of community pride.
I grew up stomping around in creeks because we couldn’t get on the river, now I’m really happy to say we can access the river. I’m so excited to see my family and my friends from other places come here and experience this.
Jenna Bailey
Keep Rutherford County Beautiful
Designed for Resilience
Resilience was a guiding principle in the design and construction of the access sites. Destination by Design led project development and design efforts and supported public engagement to ensure the Broad River Paddle Trail reflects both the community’s values and its aspirations. Our team also coordinated agencies and partners to keep momentum strong and funding aligned – a key factor in bringing this multi-year vision to life.
When Hurricane Helene struck in 2024, the in-progress US-221 site withstood the storm without major damage. Gray’s Road and Coxe Road – two of the first sites built on the trail—also came through Hurricane Helene with no major damage. This is a testament to the expertise of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, which built and will maintain the access points. Gary Gardner, engineering division chief at NCWRC, noted: “We try to make these sites bulletproof – to withstand big flood events and keep them lasting.”
Collaboration at Every Step
The Broad River Paddle Trail stands as a model of public-private collaboration. DbD’s leadership helped bring together a range of partners, including the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, and local government agencies. Our team also led fundraising for this project, which received generous support from the Duke Energy Foundation, RHI Legacy Foundation, the NC Department of Environmental Equality, and the Recreational Trails Program.
Thanks to these collective efforts, the Paddle Trail is open for adventure. It’s an invitation to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the sense of place that defines Rutherford County.
Donnie Haulk, Rutherford County Commissioner, summed it up best: “This project started as a vision of what could be – and it took years of hard work to get here. We have a community of people who care deeply about quality of life in Rutherford County – not just for today, but for the generations to come.”
