Rocky Branch Park Trail Enhancement in Belmont
Updated: Aug 14, 2023
Rocky Branch Park, a popular recreational park, recently received upgrades to make it a must see outdoor attraction for visitors to Gaston County. This park now offers a 3.6 mile trail system for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels providing easy, moderate and challenging trails. Best of all this park enhancement connects Cramerton and Belmont making it convenient for adventurists to make a day of it and enjoy the park followed by some much deserved chill time in town at local eating establishments.
The Trails
Connecting all the trails is Rocky Branch Trail which runs throughout the park. This trail is 1.2 miles, made of recycled, crushed concrete and is great for hikers. All other trails are natural, single track dirt trails.
Trail options include the 1-mile beginner mountain-biking Canopy Trail, the 0.7-mile intermediate mountain-biking Euler’s Way Trail and 0.7-mile intermediate mountain-biking Legacy Trail.
A new kiosk at the trailhead offers an updated map that showcases the plan for the new trails.
How To Access
The Rocky Branch Trail only has two trailhead access points, one at the dead end of Woodrow and Sacco Street in Belmont and one at Gaston County EMS Station on Eagle Road in Cramerton.
All other trails are branched off of the Rocky Branch Trail and can not be accessed outside of the park.
Make It a Day
After a your time in the the park, head into town and relax.
The city of Belmont is a small yet growing town located located only a couple blocks from the head of the trails at Rocky Branch Park. Visitors will enjoy strolling the beautifully maintained downtown historical streets, shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.
Located on Main Street in the refurbished police station is Old Stone Steakhouse serving up American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, Behind the police station is Jailhouse and if you haven't guessed, it once served as the town jail. Take a look inside and find some of the old cells built into the design of this whiskey and cigar bar. Also on Main is Nellie's Southern Kitchen, established by the Jonas Brothers’ family and it serves southern style bites and they also offer a rooftop bar. One last notable stop is the old railroad station which houses a coffee shop, bike shop and serves food on their patio from the outdoor grill.
If you enjoy craft beverages, Gaston County features the Ridgeline Craft Beverage trail and three of the destinations along the trail happen to be in Belmont.
Muddy River Distillery, makes the best rum you’ve ever tasted by using premium ingredients, handcrafted recipes, and custom-built stills.
Primal Brewing beer for all tastes and style preferences.
Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse & Grill is a steampunk gastropub and brewery where you will find a large selection of freshly brewed beers, wine for any palate and signature craft cocktails.
The Trail Team
Special thanks to the committee of volunteers made up of Belmont residents and outdoor enthusiasts who were selected by the non-profit group Tarheel Trailblazers. who built the previous trail system and will continue to coordinate to maintain the enhanced system.
