Discover Gaston County's Winter Race Schedule: Lace Up for Adventure and Plan Your Stay Now
TRAILS
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
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
OUR TRAILS
Natural Surface
Duke Kimbrell Trail

This trail meanders along the shoreline. The trail connects to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Visitors can continue along the back side of the parking lot along the Boulevard Trail and can then pick up on the Worrell Trail. The Worrell Trail connects back to the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail and finishes the loop. Visitors do not have to pay the garden to walk on their trails. Bicycles are allowed on the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail BUT NOT ALLOWED on the garden's trails. Please do not ride in wet conditions.
6500 S. New Hope Rd.
Moderate
2.6 Miles One Way
Walking, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Belmont
Surface
Natural Surface
Paved
A & E Riverfront Trail

This 1.2-mile paved greenway connects to 0.7-mile paved loop in Tuckaseege Park and 0.3-mile paved segment at the Municipal Complex. The greenway works its way along the picturesque Catawba River between the two trailheads. From the Municipal Complex trailhead, you can easily walk along Catawba Avenue sidewalks for 0.3-miles to downtown Mount Holly where there are shopping and dining options.
165 Broome St.
Easy
1.5 Miles One Way
Walking, Running, Wheelchair Accessible, Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Mount Holly
Surface
Paved
Paved
Avon-Catawba Creeks Greenway

This greenway is paved for its entire length, and much of it is lined by mature trees on both sides of the trail. The trail winds alongside Catawba Creek and Avon Creek with a few small bridges crossings along the way. Small benches are spaced throughout the greenway and usually come with good views of the creek as well. There are also numerous informational plaques placed along the trail regarding common bird species that can be found in the area.
You can easily walk to the Schiele Museum of Natural History from this greenway along sidewalk for .25 miles
109 West Second Ave.
Easy
2.4 Miles One Way
Walking, Running, Biking, Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Paved
Gravel
Backside Trail

The Backside Trail can be found at Crowders Mountain State Park at the Linwood Road Access. This trail is a strenuous hike including 336 wooden steps to reach a breathtaking summit and connects to the Crowders Trail also in the park.
522 Park Office Ln.
Advanced
.08 mi. one way
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Gravel
Paved, Boardwalk, Natural Surface
Bessemer City Park Trail

This looped trail offers rolling topography in a heavily wooded setting. Not only does the trail provide an opportunity for leisure but three access points provide transportation connections for surrounding neighborhoods to access the city park, pool. See historic remains of the city lake style community pool and bath house built in 1923. Wild muscadine grapes grow along the trail.
The trail leads you out of the park across the street onto W Alabama Avenue where there is a gas station and into downtown Bessemer City. Turn left onto N 12th Street. You'll pass historic brick buildings and cross the train tacks as you enter the main part of town. Take a left onto W Virginia Avenue and continue down N 14th Street until the sidewalk ends. This is where the trail ends.
220 South 14th St.
Easy
1.3 Miles One Way
Walking, Running, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Bessemer City
Surface
Paved, Boardwalk, Natural Surface
Natural Surface, Boardwalk, Gravel
Crowders Trail

The Crowders Trail is part of the trail system at Crowders Mountain State Park and runs 2.5 miles through this popular park.
522 Park Office Ln.
Moderate
2.5 miles, One Way
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface, Boardwalk, Gravel
Paved, Gravel
Dutchmans Creek Greenway

The Dutchman's Creek Greenway is a paved and gravel connector trail that connects Hwy 27 (E Charlotte Ave) at the CaroMont Regional Medical Center to River Street Park in Mt. Holly.
330 North River St.
Easy
0.6 miles, One Way
Walking, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Mount Holly
Surface
Paved, Gravel
Gravel
Foote Trail

This trail that features a variety of terrain types from the flat to strenuous. It continues for 4.5 miles to Galilee Church Road. After crossing Highway I-85 on a bridge the trail flattens out and boasts great views.
807 S Battleground Ave.
Moderate, Easy, Advanced
4.5 Miles
Walking, Hiking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Gravel
Paved
Goat Island Greenway

The Goat Island Greenway is .7 miles of paved surface trail, including two pedestrian bridges that go over two sections of the South Fork Catawba River onto Goat Island Park.
141 8th Ave.
Easy
.7 Miles One Way
Walking, Biking, Running, Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Cramerton
Surface
Paved
Paved, Gravel
Highland Rail Trail

The Highland Rail Trail is a ten foot wide, paved surface trail constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway. This urban trail meanders through residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, linking downtown Gastonia with Sims Legion Park and beyond. The Carolina Thread Trail sign marks one entrance to the trail at the intersection of Broad Street and Long Avenue. From this point, the trail continues northwest past Sims Legion Park toward I-85. The paved trail ends just short of Rankin Lake Road. There is a gravel path which connects Rankin Lake Road to the paved surface of the Highland Rail Trail.
1001 North Marietta St.
Easy
1.5 Miles One Way
Walking, Biking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Paved, Gravel
Paved
Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection

This 0.5-mile downtown sidewalk trail connects downtown Gastonia to the Highland Rail Trail. Walkers and runners can follow this trail from the intersection of Marietta Street and Franklin Boulevard, along Long Avenue until they reach the trailhead for the Highland Rail Trail, which is located at the intersection of Broad Street and Long Avenue. The rail trail is clearly marked by a Carolina Thread Trail marker and is visible from the road.
1001 North Marietta St.
Easy
.5 Miles One Way
Walking, Biking, Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Paved
Paved, Walking
Kings Mountain Battlefield Trail

The 1.5-mile self-guiding walking trail allows visitors to see both perspectives of the battlefield. It starts by winding below the northern slope of the ridge, where a portion of the Patriot forces assaulted the ridge top. The trail then turns back and runs along the ridge where the Loyalists forces surrendered. Wayside exhibits around the trail highlight battle events. The Centennial Monument, U.S. Monument, and Ferguson's Grave are key features along the trail.
The trail is foot travel only, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs. Although the trail is paved, it is steep in places. Benches are located along the trail.
2625 Park Rd
Moderate
1.5 Mile Loop
Walking, Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Paved, Walking
Natural Surface
Kings Mountain Hiking Trail

The moderately difficult, 16-mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail loop offers some gorgeous hiking through rolling hills and granite outcroppings not far from Charlotte. The site of a famous Revolutionary War battle, Kings Mountain National Military Park and the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park are popular destinations. The parks sit in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but they seem somewhat out-of-place with the area’s other gently rolling terrain. Small mountains called monadnocks jut above the surrounding flatland and offer enjoyable views. The trail itself winds through hardwood forest and along a stream toward the Kings Mountain battlefield, passing a fire tower and horse trail on two occasions.
4611 Linwood Rd.
Moderate
16 mile loop
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Kings Mountain Horse Trail

This easy to moderately difficult 30+ mile loop trail begins in Kings Mountain State Park and circles into Kings Mountain National Military Park, the site of a famous Revolutionary War battle. The surface is primarily flat with some rocky areas and some clay spots. A local saddle club takes care to watch over the trails and ensure solid footing on some of the ridge climbs. Both parks offer gorgeous riding through rolling hills and granite outcroppings not far from Charlotte, NC The parks sit in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ride Mountains, but they seem somewhat out-of-place with the area’s other gently rolling terrain. Small mountains called manodnocks jut above the surrounding flatland and offer spectacular views.
4611 Linwood Rd.
Easy, Moderate
30+ mile loop
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Kings Mountain Nature Trail

This easy 1.2-mile loop trail begins at the picnic area in Kings Mountain State Park and is one the whole family would enjoy. There are various interpretive signs along the trail, which will educate you about the local wildlife, vegetation, and history. The area surrounding the trail is a dense hardwood forest with a floor covered in lush vegetation, which is especially beautiful during spring when colorful flowering trees and bushes are in full bloom. The local wildlife you may see includes deer, rabbits, wild turkey, and other various birds.
4611 Linwood Rd.
Easy
1.2 mile loop
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Kings Mountain State Park Trail

The National Recreation Trail in Kings Mountain State Park is marked by a blue blaze throughout the 16-mile loop trail. Carolina Thread Trail segment is 1.6-mile that connects to the red blaze of the Ridgeline Trail that will take you north to Crowders Mountain or continue on west to the visitor's center at the Kings Mountain Military Park to learn the history of the Revolutionary War Battle site. There is a beautiful dam created by the Lake Crawford near the parking.
4611 Linwood Rd.
Moderate
3.1 Miles One Way
Walking, Hiking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Sidewalk, Paved
Kings Mountain to Town via Sidewalk

The sidewalk connects the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail to downtown Kings Mountain. Patriot Park is at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Gold Street. The newly upgraded park has an amphitheater with hillside and swing seating. There is a splash area, water fall and stream through the middle of the park. The trail continues past the historic theater, the Joy Performance Center also known as the Kings Mountain Little Theater to Beason Creek.
109 Country Club Rd.
Easy
2.1 miles, One Way
Walking, Biking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Sidewalk, Paved
Natural Surface
Lake Trail at Crowders Mountain

The trail circles the park lake.
Crowders Mountain State Park’s TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Turnback Trail, Fern Trail, and Lake Trail. These three trail combined make a 2.1 mile round-trip hike.
522 Park Office Ln.
Easy
0.8 miles loop
Walking, Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Living History Farm Trail

This easy, 1.5-mile out and back trail is a unique feature in Kings Mountain State Park. In an area that is surrounded with historical relevance this trail provides an insight to what everyday life was like on a Carolina upstate farmstead during the revolutionary era. Highlights are a two-story farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, carpenter/blacksmith shop, sorghum mill and cooker, corncrib, cotton gin and several other small dwellings. The best time to hike the trail is in the spring, which is when all the lush vegetation is in full bloom.
4611 Linwood Rd.
Easy
1.5 miles
Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Paved
McAdenville Greenway Park

The McAdenville Greenway Park is a paved trail that runs parallel to the South Fork of the Catawba River for .8 miles. It offers trail users an opportunity to enjoy great views of the South Fork River that can be accessed easily from downtown McAdenville.
102 Main St.
Easy
0.8 miles, One Way
Walking, Wheelchair Accessible, Hiking, Biking, Mountain Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
McAdenville
Surface
Paved
Paved
Mount Holly Linear Park Trail

This concrete trail with decorative brick accents.runs along a CSX active railroad ROW, separated by a decorative fence. A small segment of the trail runs south along S. Alexander Street and will eventually connect to the southern leg of the Catawba River Greenway. Strolling along the Linear Park Trail, the trail features direct connections to destination points such as the Grand Hall and Municipal Complex, the CaroMont Healthy Living Center, and the Catawba River Co-Op Food Market. These destinations support local farmers in the area by offering local produce and promoting the benefits of buying local.
400 East Central Ave.
Easy
.3 Miles One Way
Walking, Biking, Running, Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Mount Holly
Surface
Paved
Trail
Mountain Island Park Trail

The trailhead, parking, playground and viewing area are next to Mountain Island Lake Dam, a hydroelectric dam owned by Duke Power. Almost the entire length of the trail is shaded by mature trees. There are several foot bridges and a boat launch. The trail ends in a small loop.
Easy
1.6 Miles One Way
Walking, Hiking, Running, Mountain Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Surface
Trail
Natural Surface
Nature Trail at Schiele Museum

All within a 0.7 mile trek, you'll experience a pine forest, mixed hardwood forest, and pond and stream communities typical of the North Carolina Piedmont. On our Trail for all Seasons, every day is a good day for a walk. Play'Scape is a good play area for kids along the trail. Please note four-legged, furry, leashed friends are welcome on our Nature Trail, but NOT permitted within any of the other outdoor exhibits.
1500 East Garrison Blvd.
Easy
0.7 mile loop
Walking, Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Persimmon Trail at DSBG

Discover 3.2 miles of walking trails around the Garden! Persimmon Trail, located off the parking lot, is a short trail that connects with the Carolina Thread Trail. Maintained by the Carolina Lands Conservancy, the Thread Trail meanders along Lake Wylie and connects with Meadowood Walk.
6500 S. New Hope Rd.
Easy
3.2 miles
Hiking, Walking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Belmont
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Pharr Yarns Family Trail

Adjacent to the South Fork River. The trail goes under the I-85 bridge and through woods along the river. The trail is marked at the 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mile points, ending near the cul-de-sac of a residential neighborhood. While no parking is available at this end of the trail, there is pedestrian access for neighborhood residents. The land surrounding this trail is on the Pharr Yarns Preserve. This is a historic trail twas originally used by the Native Americans and then utilized by settlers for textile mills. There were two mills in the woods along the trail.
115 Willow Dr.
Moderate
2 Miles One Way
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
McAdenville
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain

The Pinnacle is the highest point in Gaston County at 1,705 feet. Begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the summit of the Pinnacle.
522 Park Office Ln.
Advanced
2 miles one way
Walking, Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Power Loop at Warlick YMCA

The Power Loop is a part of the Sytz Trail System at Warlick Family YMCA. The trailhead is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot with a large kiosk with map of the three connecting trail loops. This 1.39-mile circuit is marked with yellow signs. The power loop both begins and ends with the Power Line marker.
2221 Robinwood Rd.
Easy
1.39-mile circuit
Walking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Natural Surface
Natural Surface
Quarry Loop at Warlick YMCA

The Quarry Loop is a part of the Sytz Trail System at Warlick Family YMCA. The trailhead is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot with a large kiosk with map of the three connecting trail loops.
This 1.66-mile circuit is the longest and steepest loop. Marked with green signs you’ll follow along the Catawba Creek and passes by a rock quarry and certainly some wildlife along the way.
2221 Robinwood Rd.
Easy, Moderate
1.66-mile circuit
Walking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Natural Surface
Walking, Jogging
Rankin Lake Park Trail

This 1.6-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route and is great for running and walking. Open year-round. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
1750 Rankin Lake Rd.
Moderate
1.9 miles
Walking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia
Surface
Walking, Jogging
Natural Surface, Gravel
Ridgeline Trail at Crowders Mountain

Rambling over rocky hills, diving into shady hallows, and cruising through dense hardwood forest, the Ridgeline Trail is one of the most interesting and diverse trails in the Thread Trail system. And, at 8.7 miles, it’s certainly the longest.
This beautiful stretch of mostly singletrack, with a few short sections of old roadbed, connects the sweeping views of Pinnacle Mountain in Crowders Mountain State Park with the trail system at Kings Mountain Military Park. Frequent elevation changes, dozens of miles of contiguous trail, and great variety make this a favorite training ground for area trail runners and hikers.
To reach the Ridgeline Trail, begin at the Sparrow Springs Access at Crowders Mountain State Park and hike approximately 1.5 miles up the Pinnacle Trail. A trail sign at the juncture indicates the beginning of the Ridgeline Trail.
522 Park Office Ln.
Advanced
8 Miles One Way
Walking, Hiking, Running
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Kings Mountain
Surface
Natural Surface, Gravel
Paved
River Link Greenway

River Link Greenway is a relatively flat, asphalt greenway that will take you past streams with great blue herons, turtles and birds before guiding you through a more wooded area where deer are often spotted. Enjoy this .6 mile greenway (1.25 out and back round trip) which is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
141 8th Ave.
Easy
1.25 out and back
Walking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Cramerton
Surface
Paved
Natural Surface
River Loop at Warlick YMCA

The River Loop is a part of the Sytz Trail System at Warlick Family YMCA. The trailhead is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot with a large kiosk with map of the three connecting trail loops. The River Loop is roughly a one-mile loop, marked in blue signage, and is considered the flattest, shortest, and easiest of the three loops. Highlights include Catawba Creek views and forest views.
2221 Robinwood Rd.
Easy
1 mile
Walking, Running, Hiking
Location
Difficulty
Distance
Best Use
Gastonia