Fall inspires travel to Gaston County. Here is how you plan your trip!
Fall is the best time to plan a trip to Gaston County as temperatures cool and landscapes come brilliantly alive. Plan your trip today!
Check out our Fall Guide, showcasing the best way to experience Gaston County during your trip this season. Enjoy the outdoors, locate our most scenic views, explore historic downtowns, indulge in our unique dining, and create lasting memories with family and friends at our festivals.
Get outside and explore our trails
With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers more than 25 miles of trails incorporating sidewalks, natural-surface and paved, giving our visitors an excellent opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. Take in the splendor of fall colors by hiking these five trails in Gaston County. The Lake Loop at Crowders Mountain State Park The views of the Lake Loop Trail at Crowders Mountain are quite lovely with every turn offering something new to behold. This short eighth of a mile loop is made of natural terrain and circles the full perimeter of the lake. To access, either park at the lake and follow signs from the Sparrow Springs entrance or you can park at the visitor center and hike the Turn Back Trail to Fern Trail. Goat Island Park in Cramerton Goat Island Park, in the middle of the South Fork River, is a popular stop for visitors. The island is full of activities: 18-hole disc golf course, dog park, fishing pier, permanent ping-pong tables and cornhole boards. A Carolina Thread Trail greenway runs east-west through the park with a bridge connecting the island to downtown. Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia A 1.5-mile paved walking trail rims the 80-acre lake at Rankin Lake Park, complete with fishing pier and boat dock. Canoes, kayaks, johnboats and pedal boats are available to rent. A clubhouse and several picnic shelters allow for group events. Stunning Views at Crowders Mountain Climb rugged peaks from the Ridgeline Trail rising 800 feet above the surrounding countryside and 1,600 feet above sea level. Rocky ledges and outcrops are the perfect seats from which to view the panorama below. A visit to Crowders Mountain might include hiking more than 20 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, backcountry camping, picnicking and fishing. Additional features include a visitors center with restrooms and exhibit hall. George Poston Park at Spencer Mountain Situated at the base of Spencer Mountain, one of Gaston County's "pop-up" mountains, George Poston Park features 13 miles of trails that meander throughout the park, winding around a lake, a river, and offering a climb up Spencer Mountain.
Fall kayaking
The warm climate in Gaston County means paddling is still enjoyable. Take in fall colors from the banks of the Catawba River and its South Fork. Get on the water by reserving your kayak now!
Can’t miss fall festivities
Take advantage of these fall festivities in our Fall Guide.
Wagon rides and pumpkins With fall comes wagon rides, pumpkins, gourds, and more to Lineberger's Farm. Family Fun amps up to include a pumpkin from the patch after a scenic wagon ride around the farm. Fall decor is abundant as we have family-grown corn stalks, decorative corn on the cob, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, and interesting gourds.
Cotton Ginning Days
Exhibitors from all over the southeast will convene in Dallas, North Carolina, in October for the annual 'crank-up' of antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors at Cotton Ginning Days. In addition to the engine show, many activities are planned, including a kid's county fair, heritage arts area, handmade craft vendors, and music.
Scarecrow Hollow
Scarecrow Hollow is an eclectic display of original scarecrows at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Some are traditional, some space age, and others are made of live plants! All of them are unique and designed by members, supporters, and local organizations. Explore Lost Hollow to take a photo with and vote for your favorite scarecrow.
Meet us in our colorful downtowns
Each of our downtowns offers a charm that exudes the festive fall spirit with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Look for our fall-inspired events.
Belmont: Boofest, Fall Vendor Show and Movies in the Park
Lowell: Fall Festival
Cramerton: Fall Festival and Turkey Shoot
Kings Mountain: Liberty Mountain
Gastonia: Fall Carnival
Cherryville: Hocus Pocus Parade Scary-ville & The Little Monster March
Dallas: Cotton Ginning Days & Fall Park After Dark
Ranlo: Fall Festival
Mount Holly: Lantern Parade
Sip locally made craft beverages
The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, a rum distillery, and wineries extending beyond the boundaries of Gaston County. Each venue has a unique feel and would make a great addition to our fall events.
Plan Your Fall Adventure Trip to Gaston County Today!
Take advantage of the fall splendor this year by planning your fall trip to Gaston County, NC. Check out our Fall Guide regularly to stay up to date about all our fall events.
