Trail Tuesday in Gaston County
Gaston County offers numerous natural resources providing amazing opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. We are encouraging folks to get out and take advantage of these resources by hiking and biking our trails. We want to see everyone outside enjoying themselves.
Starting today, we will be featuring trails within Gaston County and sharing them via our Social Media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under the name of Trail Tuesday.
We want you to get outside and hike or bike any of our trails then share your experience via either FaceBook or Instagram using the hashtag #GoGastonNC. Get outdoors, get moving and as always, have fun! Post as many photos as you like — on any trail in Gaston County!
The Best Places to Hike Bike in Gaston County, NC
Below is a list of our best if not the most popular trails giving visitors of all skill levels a place to hike and bike in Gaston County, North Carolina. For those of you that don’t know, Gaston County is located close to Charlotte, only a 20 minute drive to downtown via Interstate 85. Check out any and all of these locations and let us know your favorites.
Hiking Trails
South Fork Trail 119 Willow Drive, Gastonia, NC 28056 Originally used by the Native Americans followed by early settlers for textile mills this trail is now 2 miles of natural surface suitable for hiking or running located along the South Fork of the Catawba River.
Highland Rail Trail in Gastonia 200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052 Linking downtown Gastonia with Sims Legion Park, this ten foot wide, paved surface trail, is 1.5 miles one way and runs behind residential neighborhoods and industrial areas.
Goat Island Greenway & River Link Greenway 141 8th Ave, Cramerton, NC 28032
Goat Island Greenway is a .7 mile paved surface trail that grants access to Goat Island Park via a pedestrian bridge over the South Fork Catawba River and a multitude of amenities for families and friends of all ages. River Link Greenway is a short path also located at Goat Island that links downtown Cramerton and downtown McAdenville.
Seven Oaks Preserve Trail at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6900 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
Connecting Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to Lake Wylie, this 2.6-mile natural surface trail create a fun 5-mile loop.
Kings Mountain National Recreation Trail at Kings Mountain State Park 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 An expansive 16-mile loop that connects to the visitors center at the Kings Mountain National Military Park where you can learn about the history of this Revolutionary War battle site.
Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park Sparrow Springs Road, Gastonia, NC 28052
Sometimes meandering through forest and sometimes strenuous with a straight hike up a gravel road followed by lots of stairs, this hike is worth it for the panoramic views.
Bike
U.S. National Whitewater Center 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28124 Considered home for most of the mountain bikers in this region. The Center offers both beginner and intermediate rides and a trail network of more than 40 miles. Visitors to the
area traveling without their gear can rent everything they need here.
1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056 you will ride 10-plus miles including; Big Leaf, Soccer, and Spencer Mountain Loops. These tight, twisty trails through dense forest bring quad-burning climbs followed by rapid descents in quick succession on this hard-packed single track. Novices can take the moderate Lake Loop. A kid’s loop just off the trailhead parking area is a nice amenity for families. Also check out the pump track before you leave.
Rocky Branch Mountain Bike Trail COMING SOON! 103 Sacco Street, Belmont, NC 28012 A truly advanced course but currently under going construction. This 4.3 mile trail will keep your cardio up with long stretches, tight turns, punchy climbs and creek crossings. Look for this trail in the near future!
South Fork Trail 119 Willow Drive, McAdenville, NC 28101 Four miles round trip, this is a short relaxing ride on a natural surface that will take you through dense forest, parallel to the South Fork Catawba River.
Avon & Catawba Creek Greenways 2100 Robinwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 A pretty 3 mile paved trail that runs along the Catawba Creek with lots of places to stop for a picnic and chillax. This trail also connects Lineberger and Ferguson Parks.
Highland Rail Trail 200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052
A great option if you are looking for an easy ride. The trail is super wide, flat, paved and only only 1.5-miles, connecting downtown Gastonia to Sims Legion Park.
Road Ride
For our road bikers we recommend a 21.5 mile ride that will take you through three parks; Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park and the Kings Mountain National Military Park. The ride begins at the visitors center at Crowders Mountain. Travel 2.4 miles on Sparrow Springs Road. From there follow Lewis Road and Unity Church Road to a six-mile straightaway on Battleground Road. Soon you will cross the South Carolina state line into Kings Mountain State Park then through the park to Kings Mountain National Military Park. Return to Crowders on a longer loop via Battleground, Unity Church, and Crowders Creek Roads.
Gaston County with its access to the Catawba River, Crowders Mountain State Park and area parks makes for some of the best places to hike and bike in North Carolina. Plus we are conveniently located just west of Charlotte off of Interstate 85. Check out any and all of these locations and let us know your favorites by posting on either Facebook or Instagram to #GoGastonNC.
