Shining a Light on the Conservation Partners Protecting What Makes Gaston County Special
- Melissa McCauley
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
In Gaston County, our parks, rivers, and trails are more than just places to explore—they’re the result of years of dedication by organizations and individuals working to protect the natural beauty that defines our region. These conservation partners play a vital role in safeguarding our landscapes, waterways, and outdoor experiences for future generations.
We’re proud to share that for the third year, GoGastonNC is participating in Outdoor NC Trail Town, and the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide. This statewide initiative highlights destinations across North Carolina that offer beautiful trails and champion responsible travel and outdoor recreation. Gaston County is honored to be among them, thanks in large part to the passionate work of our conservation community.
Whether it’s maintaining trails, conserving land, or educating the public, these partners make it possible for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the very best of the outdoors.
Catawba Riverkeeper
At the heart of water conservation in our region is the Catawba Riverkeeper, a nonprofit devoted to protecting and enhancing the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. They provide recreational opportunities and environmental education while advocating for clean water.
Catawba Lands Conservancy
The Catawba Lands Conservancy permanently protects natural areas across six counties, including Gaston. With nearly 17,000 acres preserved, their work connects people to nature and ensures green space is available for generations to come. Through generous donations, grants, private and public funding, they are able to preserve the environment for future generations.
Carolina Thread Trail
CLC also leads the Carolina Thread Trail a vast regional network connecting 15 counties through over 250 miles of trails and 90 miles of blueways, linking communities through conservation and recreation.
Tarheel Trailblazers & Piedmont Area Singletrack Alliance (PASA)
Tarheel Trailblazers, who work with land managers to build and maintain over 110 miles of mountain biking trails in the Charlotte region, including Rocky Branch Trail and Mountain Island Park in Gaston County.
PASA also supports outdoor recreation by developing and maintaining trails. They’re the driving force behind the 13 miles of singletrack at George Poston Park, promoting outdoor access and healthy lifestyles through trail development.
Crowders Mountain State Park & Friends of Crowders Mountain
The crown jewel of outdoor recreation in Gaston County is Crowders Mountain State Park, where miles of scenic trails lead hikers to stunning summit views and quiet creekside paths.
Supporting the park is the Friends of Crowders Mountain, a nonprofit that secures volunteers and funding for park improvements—helping with everything from trail signage to equipment and emergency support.
Southpoint Access
This 68-acre recreation area in Belmont includes boat ramps, fishing piers, a beach, and picnic spaces—providing a welcoming entry point to the region’s water-based adventures.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Nestled on 380 acres along Lake Wylie, the Daniel Stowe Conservancy is a nonprofit nature preserve featuring gardens, forested trails, and lakeside views. Open seven days a week, it’s both a community space and an environmental education hub centered around the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Municipal Trails & Parks
The Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department provides active and passive recreational opportunities for all ages and preserves valuable open space for its parks, trails and greenways.
A recent lease agreement allows Gastonia to develop the site of the former Linwood Golf Course. Currently owned by the State for public recreation, the existing concrete golf cart path will potentially add dozens of miles to Gaston County’s trail network.
Lineberger Park is home to a trailhead for the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway, offering a series of paved walking trails.
Rankin Lake Park features an 80 acre lake with a 1.5 mile paved trail that runs the perimeter. The park office rents jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. The park is also a connector to the Highland Rail Trail.
George Poston Park is situated at the base of Spencer Mountain in Lowell, with 13 miles of trails built by Piedmont Area Singletrack Alliance (PASA). The park is also home to the first asphalt pump track in North Carolina.
Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park is located on the Catawba River in Belmont and offers a kayak launch, which serves as a beautiful location to start a day on the water.
The City of Mount Holly provides access to greenway trails and mountain bike trails. The 1.2-mile greenway trail that connects Tuckaseege Park to the Mount Holly Municipal Complex is a paved trail that takes visitors along the picturesque Catawba River.
Mountain Island Park in Mount Holly is home to a 1.6-mile natural surface trail that meanders through the woods and is home to many types of wildlife. This trail starts at the parking lot below the dam and continues into the woods.
The Cramerton Parks and Recreation Department maintains 10 greenways and trails totaling over three miles and is responsible for six access points to the South Fork Catawba River.
A popular recreational park in Belmont is Rocky Branch Park. When finished, this park will offer an extensive trail system for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels providing easy, moderate and challenging trails.
Whitewater Center
Though located just beyond Gaston County lines, the Whitewater Center plays a major role in regional recreation with more than 50 miles of trails and direct access to the Catawba River. It's a hub for hiking, biking, paddling, and connecting with nature.
A Shared Commitment to Conservation
Preserving Gaston County’s natural beauty is no small task—it takes collaboration, stewardship, and ongoing public support. Thanks to the work of these passionate partners, our county remains a haven for outdoor adventure and a model for conservation.
Whether you’re hiking up Crowders Mountain, paddling the South Fork, or biking through Poston Park, know that each step you take is supported by the tireless efforts of those who care deeply about this land and its future.
