Goat Island Park

Goat Island Park, in the middle of the South Fork River, is a popular stop for paddlers. 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.

Cramerton

Camerton is a small town located in the Greater Charlotte area of North Carolina, inside Gaston County nestled along the South Fork River to the south of and in between Belmont and McAdenville. Visitors can access Cramerton and all ti has to do via I-85 off of 26 through Belmont or exit 23 by traveling through McAdenville. Highway 74 also runs just north of town and straight into Charlotte if you are looking for a more scenic route.

Mountain Island Tailrace Park Trail

Trail

Easy

1.6 Miles One Way

The trailhead, parking, playground and viewing area are next to Mountain Island Lake Dam, a hydroelectric dam owned by Duke Power.

Kings Mountain to Town via Sidewalk

Sidewalk, Paved

Easy

2.1 miles, One Way

The sidewalk connects the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail to downtown Kings Mountain. Patriot Park is at the corner of Battleground Ave. and Gold St.

Catawba Riverfront Greenway

Paved

Easy

1.5 Miles One Way

The greenway works its way along the picturesque Catawba River between the two trailheads.

Bessemer City Park Trail

Paved, Boardwalk, Natural Surface

Easy

1.3 Miles One Way

This looped trail offers rolling topography in a heavily wooded setting.

Robert H. Ballard Park

Walking

Easy

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Located in Cherryville this park offers a walking track and more.

Highland Rail Trail

Paved, Gravel

Easy

1.5 Miles One Way

A ten foot wide, paved surface trail constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway.

Seven Oaks Preserve Trail

Natural Surface

Moderate

2.6 Miles One Way

This trail meanders along the shoreline and connects to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

Gravel, Boardwalk, Sidewalk

Moderate

5 Miles One Way

8 miles of trail, 5 of which are designated Thread Trail, which is comprised of crushed stone, boardwalk, and sidewalk and is ADA compliant.

Belmont to Cramerton Sidewalk Connector

Sidewalk

Easy

1.3 Miles

Starts at Stowe Park in Belmont and connects almost to Cramerton.

South Fork Trail

Natural Surface

Moderate

2 Miles One Way

Adjacent to the South Fork River. The trail goes under the I-85 bridge and through woods along the river.

Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection

Paved

Easy

.5 Miles One Way

This 0.5-mile downtown sidewalk trail connects downtown Gastonia to the Highland Rail Trail.

Ridgeline Trail

Natural Surface, Gravel

Advanced

8 Miles One Way

The Ridgeline Trail connects you to a 16-mile hiking trail loop at Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park called Kings Mountain National Recreation Trail.

Mount Holly Linear Park Trail

Paved

Easy

.3 Miles One Way

This concrete trail with runs along a railroad separated by a decorative fence.

Riverside Greenway

Paved

Easy

1.3 Miles One Way

This trail winds along the bank of the South Fork River.

Avon/Catawba Creeks Greenway

Paved, Sidewalk

Easy

2.4 Miles One Way

This greenway is paved for its entire length, and much of it is lined by mature trees on both sides of the trail.

Rankin Lake Park Trail

Walking, Jogging

Moderate

1.9 miles

This trail runs through Rankin Lake Park.