CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL
HIKING, BIKING
& PADDLING
Gaston County provides outdoor explorers with natural spaces found in our state parks, county parks and city parks. Use these trails for an easy stroll or a strenuous hike. Some are great for jogging and biking as well.




The Carolina Thread Trail is a network of trails and blueways across 15 counties in North and South Carolina offering people a place to hike bike and paddle. Currently it has more than 300 miles of trails and 170 miles of blueways. Once complete, the system will total 1,600 miles. Gaston County’s distinct towns and its proximity to the Catawba and South Fork Rivers make it a great place to explore via their trails and blueways.
Carolina Thread Trail Interactive Trail Map
River Loop at Warlick YMCA

Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Natural Surface
Easy
1 mile
Quarry Loop at Warlick YMCA

Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Natural Surface
Easy, Moderate
1.66-mile circuit
Power Loop at Warlick YMCA

Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Natural Surface
Easy
1.39-mile circuit
Styz Trail System at Warlick YMCA

Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Natural Surface
Easy
About 4 miles
Kings Mountain State Park Trail

Kings Mountain is home to comfortable climates, top-notch educational institutions, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities and friendly people. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, the arts, dining and shopping, business and industry, education or healthcare, we have it all right here in Kings Mountain. Special events provide Kings Mountain residents and visitors with year-round family-style entertainment, by producing and promoting free festivals and city-wide holiday celebrations.
Natural Surface
Moderate
3.1 Miles One Way
Mountain Island Park Trail

Located on the east side of Gaston County, North Carolina along the Catawba River is Mount Holly. Visitors can find this old mill town and fun things to do, by traveling north along Hwy 273 off of exit 27 on I-85.
Trail
Easy
1.6 Miles One Way
Seven Oaks Preserve Trail

Visitors to Gaston County in North Carolina will find the town of Belmont located just south of I-85 at exit 27 . The downtown is located just off of the Catawba River and is the closest town in the county to Charlotte, NC.
Natural Surface
Moderate
2.6 Miles One Way
Ridgeline Trail

Kings Mountain is home to comfortable climates, top-notch educational institutions, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities and friendly people. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, the arts, dining and shopping, business and industry, education or healthcare, we have it all right here in Kings Mountain. Special events provide Kings Mountain residents and visitors with year-round family-style entertainment, by producing and promoting free festivals and city-wide holiday celebrations.
Natural Surface, Gravel
Advanced
8 Miles One Way
Kings Mountain to Town via Sidewalk

Kings Mountain is home to comfortable climates, top-notch educational institutions, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities and friendly people. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, the arts, dining and shopping, business and industry, education or healthcare, we have it all right here in Kings Mountain. Special events provide Kings Mountain residents and visitors with year-round family-style entertainment, by producing and promoting free festivals and city-wide holiday celebrations.
Sidewalk, Paved
Easy
2.1 miles, One Way
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

Kings Mountain is home to comfortable climates, top-notch educational institutions, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities and friendly people. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, the arts, dining and shopping, business and industry, education or healthcare, we have it all right here in Kings Mountain. Special events provide Kings Mountain residents and visitors with year-round family-style entertainment, by producing and promoting free festivals and city-wide holiday celebrations.
Gravel, Boardwalk, Sidewalk
Moderate
5 Miles One Way
Mount Holly Linear Park Trail

Located on the east side of Gaston County, North Carolina along the Catawba River is Mount Holly. Visitors can find this old mill town and fun things to do, by traveling north along Hwy 273 off of exit 27 on I-85.
Paved
Easy
.3 Miles One Way
Catawba Riverfront Greenway

Located on the east side of Gaston County, North Carolina along the Catawba River is Mount Holly. Visitors can find this old mill town and fun things to do, by traveling north along Hwy 273 off of exit 27 on I-85.
Paved
Easy
1.5 Miles One Way