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Get Outdoors

Gaston County offers amazing greenways and blueways that showcase our diverse landscapes – mountain vistas, quiet rivers, and urban greenways, in the rolling hills of the Piedmont. Get outside and explore.

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Carolina Thread Trail Hike with Dog Ladies in Gaston County

Hike

With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers more than miles of trails incorporating sidewalks and natural-surface trails, creating a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature.

Carolina Thread Trail at Goat Island in Cramerton
Bike Gaston County at Rankin Lake

Bike

With options for athletes, weekend warriors, families with kids, and everyone in between, Gaston County has a ride for you.

Paddle

Every day is a good day to be on the water if you are in Gaston County as the scenic views, public access areas and boat rental options abound.

Paddle at the lake at Crowders Moutain

A World Of Play

Play outside. The recreational activities in Gaston County are abundant.

Hike Our Trails

Outdoor explorers will enjoy miles of trails for an easy stroll or a strenuous hike. 

Pinnacle at Crowders Mountain Hike

A Day On The Water

With over 80 parks within the County, enjoyment of the outdoors is easily obtained anywhere your adventure might lead.

Canoe Kayak Paddle Gaston County in Belmont
USNWC Whitewater Rafting

Thrill Seekers

High-energy rapids are also available for those who like to challenge themselves on class II-IV whitewater. At the Whitewater Center a professional guide will show you the way to lead your raft down the world’s largest human-made, recirculating whitewater river.

Crowders Mountain Lady Climb the cliff

See The World From Up High

There are two attractions in the County where one can climb to view the World up high, Crowders Mountain,  and Whitewater Center, one of the largest outdoor climbing facilities in the region, offers rope routes, bouldering, a 46-foot tall spire for sport and top rope climbing as well as several ziplines and a canopy tour.

Sleep Under The Stars

A great way to conclude an outdoor adventure in Gaston County is to sleep under the stars by camping at either Crowders Mountain or Kings Mountain State Park.

Backpack Camping at Crowders Mountain

A Day At The Park

With over 80 parks within the County, enjoyment of the outdoors is easily obtained anywhere your adventure might lead.

Kevin Loftin Park Shelter in Belmont
Playground at Goat Island in Cramerton

Playgrounds & Splash Pads

While most of our parks offer playgrounds, the one you absolutely must see is at Goat Island Park in Cramerton. If you need to cool off check out the spraygrounds at Harper Park,

Lineberger Park or Ranlo Park.

Golfing at Catawba Golf Course

Tee Up To Rolling Fairways

Beckoning you with beautiful rolling fairways and incredibly scenic views, our courses offer mountain like terrain and will challenge golfers of all levels.

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