Four Paws Kingdom Campground
335 Lazy Creek Dr.
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone: (828) .28-7.73
Fax: (270) .51-4.01
Email: info@4pawskingdom.com
Home Page: www.4pawskingdom.com

  • Local Things to Do!

Nestled in the serene foothills of the North Carolina mountains, Four Paws Kingdom is only a few miles away from some of the most remarkable and inspiring attractions this part of the US has to offer.

Please find below a short list of highly recommendable places to see:

Short Trips

within 30 Minutes of Four Paws Kingdom

Lake Lure - Hidden away among the towering Blue Ridge peaks is a sparkling jewel--Lake Lure, North Carolina. And, it's waiting for you to discover. 
Explore its history and beauty in the easy comfort of a guided boat tour, splash in its refreshing waves where they lap against a sandy beach, or set out across its shimmering serenity in a canoe or pontoon boat. During the warmer months, enjoy the Beach @ Lake Lure and our new water activities area, the Beach Water Works. 

Chimney Rock Park - Chimney Rock Park is a scenic attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The parks offers spectacular 75-mile views, numerous hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, picnicking and more.

Hickory Nut Gorge - Often called the most beautiful natural canyon in the Eastern United States, Hickory Nut Gorge offers startlingly spectacular scenery. Along the floor of the Gorge flows the Rocky Broad River - credited with having patiently carved the granite of the Blue Ridge Mountains to form the deep cut. On either side, rocky cliffs rise steeply, dwarfing the little villages below.

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center - a 390-acre nature education and recreation center nestled in the beautiful foothills of Tryon, North Carolina.


within 60 Minutes
of Four Paws Kingdom

Hendersonville & Flat Rock - Enjoy the hospitality and tranquility of this historic area, traditionally known for its gentle climate, beautiful scenery, a richness in culture & history, ample recreational facilities, and friendly people. The area has been a popular vacation destination for well over a century. 

Flat Rock Playhouse - The State Theatre of North Carolina produces top quality entertainment for the entire family. The season runs from May through December annually and includes Broadway musicals, comedies, drama, and theatre for young people.

Home of Carl Sandburg - nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of the American people. 

Blue Ridge Parkway - Designed as a drive awhile - stop awhile recreational drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles and connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, providing ample opportunities for stops at overlooks, picnic and camping facilities, trails, and wonderful cultural and natural areas.

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine - Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine shares the rich history and tradition of mining in Mitchell County. Visitors can experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.

Emerald Village - If you like gem mining...you'll LOVE Emerald Village! The indoor portion of the tour features uses of the minerals & gems found in these mines. A collection of mining lamps, dynamite plungers and other mining memorabilia are on display. The village also features the Mining Museum and offers underground mine tours.

Linville Caverns - Located at the base of Humpback Mountain in the beautiful Linville Valley lies a natural wonder, Linville Caverns. After remaining a mysterious secret for centuries, the caverns have been opened for safe and convenient public touring. These natural limestone caverns feature guided tours showing spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Biltmore Estate - George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina?s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends;
a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature?s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room ch?teau filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America?s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste culinary creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts.

Asheville, NC - Get ready to experience a mountain adventure, dance around to some mountain folk music and visit downtown Asheville as it comes alive with evening activities. Take a look inside Biltmore House, watch a skilled artisan creating pottery or take a fall drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Asheville Community Theatre - Asheville's premier theater has offered professional-quality productions since 1946. The theatre features comedies, musicals and dramas.

Brevard Music Center - Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, this premier summer music festival and comprehensive music training program has set the highest standards in performance and education for more than six decades. 


within 90 Minutes of Four Paws Kingdom

Western North Carolina Nature Center - Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum exhibiting and interpreting the plant and animal wildlife of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Cradle of Forestry - The Pisgah District is a mecca for vacationers, naturalists and adventurers, offering a wide range of options for your recreating pleasure. Just to mention a few, there's hiking and back-packing, fishing, biking, horse-back riding, swimming, rock-climbing, car-touring, waterfalls, wildlife, historical areas, and a variety of special programs to choose from, including everything from lectures to guided hikes and square dancing.

Paramount's Carowinds - The Carolinas' premier 100-acre water and theme park has more than 50 attractions for all ages including thrilling rides, musical revues and shows, children's area, WaterWorks water park, concerts and special events and a year-round campground.

Cherokee Indian Reservation
This 56,000 acre reservation is home to over 10,000 members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees. This is a must see for travelers!