If you’ve done the beach and the mountains, and looking for something new, now is the time to try Gaston County. As summer draws to an end Gaston County has some exciting things planned for an incredible Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day Celebration

Jumpstart the holiday festivities with the Labor Day Trail Race and Labor Day Celebration at the Whitewater Center. The weekend kicks off with a 5K and 15K trail race using a dispersed start model to allow runners to enter the course and maintain social distance throughout the day. The Whitewater Center offers more than 30 different recreational experiences that can be accessed such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing & more. Other activities include the calm flatwater of the Catawba River while participating in a yoga practice on top of stand-up paddle boards. In the evening enjoy a live concert.

Half Day Guided Kayak Tours

If you are ready to experience an authentic river with experienced guides, the half day paddling experience is for you. Guests will meet at The Boathouse at the South Fork Trailhead and after a safety talk you’ll be shuttled 15 minutes up the river where you’ll put in with 2 experienced guides who will help you navigate this beautiful stretch of the river.

This kayaking experience is great for those who are comfortable in the water but might not be experts. It is accessible to many skills levels, but includes low Class I and Class II rapids in several sections with easy moving, gentle water in between. Each trip will last approximately 3 hours and will conclude back at your car at the South Fork Trailhead.

History Hike On Seven Oak Preserve Trail

Interested in learning more about local history? Join Carolina Thread Trail and Gaston County Museum in a History Hike at Seven Oaks Preserve Trail. Along the way, Alex Brooks, the Education Coordinator with Gaston History Museum, will share about Gaston County’s history from before its textile past through today. On this hike, you will see history come to life as you hike parallel to the regionally important Catawba River- Lake Wylie section. In addition to views of the lake, you will see all kinds of nature as the trail lies on the Seven Oaks Preserve, a 2-mile stretch of shore line conserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy!

After your hike, make your way next door to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Flatwater Kayak Rentals in Belmont

Paddle 90 minutes of self-guided paddling on a calm, quiet stretch of the upper part of Lake Wylie – the oldest lake on the Catawba River. This kayaking experience is great for first time paddlers or families with young children.

Watch a Professional Baseball Game

2021 is the inaugural season of the Gastonia Honey Hunters, and we can’t wait to see you out at the ballpark! Get your tickets and meet us at the ballpark for some baseball and family fun! Games are scheduled every day of this holiday weekend from Friday night through Monday.

Conveniently located and easy to find 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 this Labor Day. Make your plans now. Other summer activities can be found on our SUMMER GUIDE.