Spencer Mountain in Gaston County A Must-Visit Outdoor Experience Coming Soon
- Melissa McCauley
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Charlotte region. Rising to 1,250 feet, Spencer Mountain is the area’s third-highest peak, just behind the Kings Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain in Crowders Mountain State Park. Soon, it will become one of the region’s most accessible and inspiring outdoor destinations.
Located just north of George Poston Park in Gaston County—a 344-acre hub with ball fields, a dog park, a lake, and 10 miles of natural trails—Spencer Mountain will connect you to sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and Charlotte skyline views.
Years in the Making
For decades, the Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail have worked toward the dream of public access to Spencer Mountain. Thanks to a unique partnership with WBTV and local governments, that dream is now within reach. The mountain will soon welcome hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers from across the region and beyond.
What’s Planned for Spencer Mountain in Gaston County
When the trails open, Spencer Mountain will feature over 3 miles of Carolina Thread Trail, including:
1.5-mile natural surface multi-use trail around the base for hiking, cycling, and more
0.8-mile summit trail for hikers and people with mobility limitations
0.7-mile gravel road for cyclists to reach the summit
0.2-mile connector trail for future access from the Town of Ranlo
The design puts accessibility at the forefront—ensuring that people with mobility limitations, families with young children, and adventure-seekers alike can experience a mountain trail in a way that suits their comfort level. Planned overlooks and a summit park will offer some of the best skyline views in the entire Charlotte region.
A Trail for Everyone
Opportunities like this are rare. In North Carolina, there are very few mountain experiences that combine true outdoor adventure with accessibility for all abilities. For many mobility-limited visitors, the only option is a paved overlook. Spencer Mountain will change that—allowing every trail user to choose their own adventure, from gentle paths to challenging climbs.
What’s Next
The project is in final design and engineering. Plans include dramatic features two 40-50 ft. bridges will have to span a ravine and the overlook platform at the summit is intended to cantilever over the edge of the mountain. Construction could begin soon, with an expected opening in 2026.
Why This Matters for Visitors
When Spencer Mountain opens, it will be more than just a trail—it will be a destination. Visitors will come for the views, stay for the story, and return for the sense of connection it creates between people, nature, and history.
This is a chance to put Gaston County and the Charlotte region on the map as a leader in inclusive, inspiring outdoor recreation.
