Fun adventures can be found all year long on a Gaston County Getaway
Updated: Oct 22
The next time you are looking for a great getaway look no further than Gaston County. Whether you love the outdoors connecting with nature, a memorable adventure awaits you. Come explore Gaston County.
1. Outdoor Adventure
Kayaks. Paddleboards. Mountain bikes. Hiking shoes. You have the gear, we have the places to use it. Now is the time to get outdoors and discover a recreation wonderland.
Crowders Mountain State Park
The crown jewel of Gaston County is Crowders Mountain State Park. Although it is known for its views from the summit there are three trails This hike, the Backside Trail, is only .9 miles one-way, but it’s listed as strenuous since it is a steady climb with 336 wooden steps until the summit. If you take your time, this hike is good for older kids.
This state park also offers many trails that are good for your young ones as well. The Lake Trail is a flat .8-mile round-trip hike that follows a gravel path around the lake. If you want to extend this hike, combine this trail with the Fern Trail (.8-mile round-trip) and the Turnpike Trail (1.2-miles round-trip, listed as moderate) for a 2.1-mile round-trip hike. 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. 704-853-5375
Carolina Thread Trail
With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers miles of trails including both greenways for hiking, and blueways for paddling, creating a great opportunity to get outside.
2. Nature Lovers
Hop on this trail and enjoy the beauty of nature through these attractions located throughout the county.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
This is Carolinas’ Garden for all seasons. DSBG provides guests a chance to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories. Located on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, this garden features spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory of tropical plants, and more.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Come learn about science and natural history in this museum offering exceptional educational programs, exhibits, and more. The Schiele Museum of Natural History is only one of 70 museums in the U.S. designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Enjoy Our Parks
We also have over 80 parks within the County here for the enjoyment of visitors making it easy to encounter nature and explore anywhere your adventure might lead.
On The Farm
See what's growing on the farm in Gaston County. In spring, step into a strawberry patch. Come summertime, look for vine-ripened tomatoes, squash, and blueberries. Fall is a colorful season as pumpkins turn bright orange. Find our farms and have some fun.
3. Get On The Water
Every day is a good day to be on the water as the scenic views, public access areas, and boat rental options abound.
Flatwater
Paddling the calm waters is a super easy and a fun way to pass the time. Grab a boat and head to either the Catawba or South Fork River using a sit-on-top kayak with single or tandem options, or maybe even a canoe. Check out the 11 Mills Blueway Trail for detailed information on where to launch, dock and make stops along the way.
Boating
Maybe paddling just isn't your idea of a good time. That's ok! The Catawba River, which leads to Lake Wylie, allows our visitors a chance to enjoy open water. Grab some friends and rent a jet ski or a pontoon boat at one of our marinas and make your own private party on the water.
4. Thrill Seekers
The Whitewater Center is the world's premier outdoor facility featuring the best adventures for thrill seekers including, whitewater rafting, zip lines, and climbing creating a great weekend getaway!
Whitewater rafting
A must at Whitewater Center — it’s in the name after all. Rapids range from classes II to IV, and experiences vary from beginner to advanced. All options include a professional guide. Experienced paddlers may take on the whitewater course by kayak.
Zipline courses
Stretch across the center’s campus. Varying from 200 feet to more than 1,000 feet long, ziplines carry passengers above the tree canopy and across the whitewater course.
Deep Water Solo
A form of rock climbing that utilizes falling into a deep pool of water instead of traditional climbing protection. The Whitewater Center’s Deep Water Solo Complex has five walls ranging from 20 to 45 feet in height.
Tree Canopy Ropes
An activity that is built into the trees or made of utility poles that incorporates traversing obstacles of varying difficulty. Participants wear harnesses and are attached to safety lines throughout the activity.
5. History Buffs
This region played significant roles in both the Revolutionary War and the industrial revolution, contributing to the state’s economic and cultural development. Today, Gaston County is celebrated for its historical landmarks, diverse communities, and commitment to preserving its heritage through various museums and cultural sites.
Revolutionary War History in Kings Mountain
Kings Mountain holds a pivotal place in Revolutionary War history, notably for the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780. This battle marked a significant turning point in the Southern campaign, where Patriot militia defeated Loyalist forces, boosting the morale of the American forces. Key sites in Kings Mountain include:
Kings Mountain National Military Park: This park commemorates the battle with monuments, a museum, and walking trails that offer visitors an immersive historical experience.
Kings Mountain Historical Museum: Located in downtown Kings Mountain, this museum provides exhibits and artifacts that detail the local impact of the Revolutionary War and the broader history of the area.
History of Transportation in Cherryville
Cherryville’s history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of transportation, which significantly shaped the town’s development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Cherryville from a small farming community to a bustling trade center. Important transportation heritage sites include:
C. Grier Beam Truck Museum: This museum highlights the history of trucking and its importance to Cherryville's growth, showcasing vintage trucks and memorabilia.
J. Ralph Beam Jr. Heritage Park: This park features historical exhibits that celebrate the transportation heritage and broader historical narratives of Cherryville.
History of Textiles in Dallas
Dallas, once the county seat of Gaston County, played a crucial role in the textile industry that drove much of the region's economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town became a hub for textile mills, which brought significant employment and industrial development. The heritage of this industry is preserved through various historical sites and museums:
Gaston County Museum: Located in the former Hoffman Hotel, this museum offers extensive exhibits on the local textile industry, including historical artifacts and narratives that illustrate the life of mill workers and the industry’s impact on the community.
6. Sports Fans
In Gaston County we pack the house as spectators roar with cheers for their team and favorite athletes.
Gastonia Baseball Club
If you're an athlete at heart you absolutely must head to the ball field in Gastonia to witness the fun of the ball game.The Gastonia Baseball Club, is a professional baseball team in the Atlantic League.
Carolina Speedway
Roaring to life with spectacular dirt track races the Carolina Speedway is known as “The Action Track”. This 4/10th of a mile oval track hosts different divisions each week. Check the calendar for 700 horsepower engines thundering around the track and cheer the drivers to the finish line.
Belmont Abbey Crusaders
The Abbey Crusaders at Belmont Abbey College play in NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas and currently compete in nearly three dozen men's and women's varsity sports. With so many sports, there are home games on campus nearly every night of the week.
Gaston Rhinos
The Gaston College Rhinos in Dallas, NC competes in five sports, baseball, softball, e-sports, beach volleyball and men's basketball in the NJCAA.
7. Christmas County
An extravaganza of festivals and events designed to celebrate this special time of year exclusively in Gaston County.
Christmas Town USA
When the sun goes down visitors explore the brightly illuminated town of McAdenville while carillon bells play carols. The tour includes a lake with a 75 foot multi-colored fountain, historic bell tower, and vintage displays. Christmas Town USA® was ranked 4th by USA Today as the “Best Public Holiday Lights Display” in the US.
ChristmasTown 5k
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas at the ChristmasTown 5k, the area's most popular organized road race. The lights don't officially begin until December, but our participants receive a sneak peek for one night only! It's a great way to kick off your holiday season.
Holiday Lights at the Garden
Celebrate the holidays at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden with a mile of a million lights. Over half a million lights twinkle from November through the end of December.
Ice Trail Skating
The Whitewater Center creates a 17,000 sq. ft. ice trail for skating with an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Available November through February.
Snowless Sledding
Spend a night of fun with your friends and family on these snowless tubing lanes, the Chutes.
Gaston County Getaway
Located just outside of Charlotte, NC, Gaston County offers many things to see and do making a great weekend getaway. We are only minutes away from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and have great places to stay and numerous unique dining establishments to complete a great weekend away. Come stay with us!
