Rutherford County, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Forest City, Spindale and the county seat of Rutherfordton which celebrated its 225th anniversary in 2012.
The Village of Chimney Rock is situated in Hickory Nut Gorge which contains almost three miles of the scenic Rocky Broad River. Chimney Rock Mountain at Chimney Rock State Park offers 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Hiking trails leads to Hickory Nut Falls and other scenic rock formations.