04/01/2026
🌿✨ Get Ready to Discover What’s Hidden in Plain Sight! ✨🌿
The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is proud to unveil an exciting new community-wide experience taking place from April 18 through August 15:
🦎 Hidden in Plain Sight: The Green Salamander Art Trail* 🦎
As our community continues to recover and rebuild from Helene, the Chamber is doubling down on creativity, connection, and commerce — finding fresh, fun ways to support our local economy while celebrating the natural beauty that makes Hickory Nut Gorge so special.
This brand-new, family-friendly public art and discovery trail will connect Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Rumbling Bald through art, nature, and local business participation.
🎨 Art Meets Adventure
Local artists will design stunning green salamander art pieces — inspired by the rare salamander native to our region — and the Chamber will place them at participating businesses and community favorites, including the beautiful Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, local restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the Gorge.
Visitors will grab a trail map, scan QR codes, and set off on a journey of discovery — learning about the green salamander while exploring the unique businesses and spaces that make our community thrive.
Think:
🌿 Part art walk
🗺️ Part scavenger hunt
🛍️ Part small-business spotlight
💚 Stay Longer. Shop Local. Come Back Again.
To keep the excitement going, we’ll offer a monthly calendar of events highlighting special happenings at participating locations — giving visitors even more reasons to linger, explore, dine, shop, and return.
🌎 Why It Matters
Our goal is simple:
✔️ Drive foot traffic
✔️ Support and spotlight local businesses
✔️ Celebrate our extraordinary natural environment
✔️ Give families and visitors another reason to fall in love with Hickory Nut Gorge
This isn’t just an art trail — it’s an economic boost, a community connector, and a celebration of who we are.
Get ready to explore. Get ready to discover. You never know what you might find hidden in plain sight. 🦎✨
*Funded in part by the Rutherford County TDA (visitncsmalltowns.com).
