20 Great outdoor adventures this spring in Gaston County, NC

Spring is here, and Gaston County is coming alive. Longer, warmer, sunny days with Carolina blue skies beckon you to get outside and try something new. Here are 20 things to do to enjoy the season.

1 Paddle our blueways

Sunny days warm our rivers, making paddling the blueways of the Catawba or South Fork River fun. Grab a boat and head to either for a day of fun on the water. If you have equipment, check out one of the paddling companies that can help you access the water. Gaston County offers many ways to enjoy our blueways. See our list of ways to get on the water.

2 Hike our greenways

With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers more than 25 miles of trails incorporating sidewalks, natural surfaces, and paved trails, giving our visitors an excellent opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. Get their Trail Map App to find some of the best paths to explore.

3 The pinnacle of fun

An outdoor adventurers trip to Gaston County would only be complete with a Crowders Mountain State Park stop. Crowders Mountain offers some of the best rock climbing in the Piedmont area, offering expansive views.

4 Home to thrill seekers

One-third outdoor adventure park, one-third nature preserve, and one-third restaurant/concert venue, the Whitewater Center offers rafting, whitewater paddling, flatwater paddling, climbing, ropes courses, ziplines, mountain biking, trail running, and yoga. Festivals, concerts, races, and culinary events give visitors reasons to come back again and again.

5 Engage in friendly competition

Spring is the best time for some friendly competition. Register today for fun and exhilarating races such as the Whitewater Triathlon, O'Crud Open Water Swim Race, Goat Island Games, and the Memorial Day Trail Race.

6 Jam at an outdoor concert

Make your weekend even more special by unwinding, relaxing, and refueling with entertainment, live music, and unique eats from some of the individual dining establishments in Gaston County. Each town in the county features outdoor concerts.

7 Sip craft beverages

The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties. Each has a unique feel and culture; experiencing together creates a great weekend getaway.

8 Your path to nature

Located on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to displaying tropical plants and orchids, and miles of nature trails serve as a gateway to nature.

9 Pick a pint of strawberries

Step into a strawberry patch in spring and pick ripe, juicy berries. Come summertime, look for vine-ripened tomatoes, homemade salsa, squash, and blueberries.

10 Check out the action track

Roaring to life with spectacular dirt track races the Carolina Speedway in Gastonia is known as “The Action Track”. This 4/10th of a-mile oval track hosts different divisions each week. Check the calendar for 700 horsepower engines thundering around the track in the Late Model Division, Street Stock Division, Open Wheel Modified cars, Four Cylinder, Renegade, Hornets, or the NDRA Late Models.

11 Fishin' fun

Robinson Catfish Lake is a small lake stocked with fish, including giant catfish, where family and friends meet, all trying to make a big catch. Open weekends only in March.

12 Take a bike ride

Are you searching for that quiet country road to log some miles on your bike or dialing in and doubling down on gnarly singletrack? In the southeast, you'll find what you're looking for in Gaston County, North Carolina. With options for endurance athletes, weekend warriors, families with kids in tow, and everyone in between, We've got a ride for you.

13 Hit the fairways

Golf in Gaston County will challenge golfers of all levels, beckoning you with beautiful rolling fairways and incredibly scenic views. Our courses offer mountain-like terrain.

14 A day at the park

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

15 Check out the best spring festivals

Spring is the best time to check out a festival. Cool breezes make it easy for a day of fun. Check your calendar and make your plans to hit them all!

16 A day at the ballpark

We pack the house as spectators roar with cheers for their team and favorite athletes. The Ghost Peppers season starts in April.

17 Buy Local

Our farmers' markets have become community gathering spaces where customers can interact with farmers: some feature live music, chef demos, and kids' activities.

18 Enjoy our outdoor patios

Longer days and warmer weather create the best environment for dining outdoors. Check out JR Cash's in Mount Holly and Drift on Lake Wylie in Belmont—two excellent restaurants with great patios on the water.

19 Meet your favorite farm animals

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Schiele Museum, featuring live farm animals. Learn about them through special keeper talks, then enjoy fun activities that change each week to highlight different farm friends. Choose your favorite, or come every week!

20 Celebrate art

Discover the vibrant tapestry of creativity along Gaston County's captivating art trail, where local artists weave their masterpieces into a visual symphony that enchants and inspires.

Gaston County is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, just west of Charlotte, NC, with easy access from Interstates 85, 77, and 321. Our location alone makes for a convenient getaway. PLACES TO STAY

Let the fun begin this spring in Gaston County, NC. Check out our SPRING GUIDE and make your plans to stay with us. As you can see, Gaston County is a recreational wonderland you need to explore.