3 Great Trails in Kings Mountain
Updated: Aug 14, 2023
Kings Mountain offers three great trails including the Sidewalk Connector, Gateway Trail and Kings Mountain State Park Trail. Afterwards, head into historic, walkable downtown Kings Mountain for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail's trailhead is located on a one acre site about ½ of a mile south of Downtown Kings Mountain and is connected to downtown via sidewalks. Hikers and bikers will enjoy the 8 miles of trail, 5 of which are designated Thread Trail, which is comprised of crushed stone, boardwalk, and sidewalk. This trail's parking lot and trailhead features a restrooms, a bike rack and kiosk, and a picnic shelter that includes nine picnic tables and two large grills. There is also an interpretive nature trail for children to explore.
The Carolina Thread Trail starts in the downtown of Kings Mountain, runs through the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail parking lot, on to the entrance of the Rail Trail at the Gateway and then turns right onto the loop trail then right again onto the Foote Trail that heads south to I-85 and on past to Galilee Church Road. The new section of trail on the south side of I-85 is great for flat surface walking and biking. You can park at the trail entrance at the end of Industrial Drive just off of hwy. 161. Go south over I-85 and Industrial Drive is to the right.
The trail will preserve the natural beauty of Kings Mountain and provide a place for nature exploration, education in science and history, and a venue for community events and family celebrations. This trail is planned to connect the City of Kings Mountain to Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park.
807 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 5 miles one way
Moderate Learn More
Kings Mountain State Park Trail
The National Recreation Trail in Kings Mountain State Park is marked by a blue blaze throughout the 16-mile loop trail. Carolina Thread Trail segment is 1.6-mile that connects to the red blaze of the Ridgeline Trail that will take you north to Crowders Mountain or continue on west to the visitor's center at the Kings Mountain Military Park to learn the history of the Revolutionary War Battle site. There is a beautiful dam created by the Lake Crawford near the parking.
1277 Park Road, Clover, SC 29702
3.1 Miles One Way
Natural Surface Moderate Learn More
Kings Mountain to Town via Sidewalk
Sidewalk connects the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail to downtown Kings Mountain. Patriot Park is at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Gold Street. The newly upgraded park has an amphitheater with hillside and swing seating. There is a splash area, water fall and stream through the middle of the park. The trail continues past the historic theater, the Joy Performance Center also known as the Kings Mountain Little Theater to Beason Creek.
807 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 Easy
2.1 Miles one way
Paved surface
Kings Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain State Park has miles of forested trails perfect for supreme Kings Mountain hiking, two fishing lakes, and sits adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, one of many national park Revolutionary War sites. Local crowds flock to the park during regularly scheduled special events, especially every November when living history demonstrations are held at the park’s replica 1800s Piedmont farm.
For those who want to stay overnight at Kings Mountain, campground accommodations–including equestrian facilities–are available at the Kings Mountain campground, with easy access to Kings Mountain hiking, fishing and more.
Kings Mountain
After your time on the trails go explore historic downtown Kings Mountain connected via the Gateway Trail that runs along S. Battleground Avenue creating 15 miles of networked trails. Learn about the history of the area at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum located in a historic post office in the historic district. Take a rest at Patriots Park where you will find park benches, picnic areas, a splash pad and public restrooms. Grab a bite to eat at 238 Cherokee Grill located right next to Patriot Park, an unpretentious tavern offering eclectic American eats with wine and beer in a relaxed space. Or check out The Revolution1 for a cup of coffee and a sandwich in a cozy environment. Also located in the historic downtown, with a railroad running through the middle, one can find several boutique shops.
