Gaston County, NC
Highland Rail Trail
The Highland Rail Trail is a ten foot wide, paved surface trail constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway. This urban trail meanders through residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, linking downtown Gastonia with Sims Legion Park and beyond. The Carolina Thread Trail sign marks one entrance to the trail at the intersection of Broad Street and Long Avenue. From this point, the trail continues northwest past Sims Legion Park toward I-85. The paved trail ends just short of Rankin Lake Road. There is a gravel path which connects Rankin Lake Road to the paved surface of the Highland Rail Trail.
1.5 Miles One Way
Easy
Paved, Gravel
200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Gastonia
Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Hike all the trails
In Gaston County
River Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
1 mile
River Loop is roughly a one-mile loop, marked in blue signage, and is considered the flattest, shortest, and easiest of the three loops. Highlights include Catawba Creek views and forest views.
Styz Trail System at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
About 4 miles
The trailhead for the system is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot. You’ll spot a large kiosk there that will show you a map of the three connecting trail loops.
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.
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
Located in Cherryville this park offers a walking track and more.
Quarry Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy, Moderate
1.66-mile circuit
This 1.66 mile circuit is the longest and steepest loop. Marked with green signs you’ll follow along the Catawba Creek and passes by a rock quarry and certainly some wildlife along the way.
Kings Mountain State Park Trail
Natural Surface
Moderate
3.1 Miles One Way
The National Recreation Trail in Kings Mountain State Park is marked by a blue blaze throughout the 16-mile loop trail. Carolina Thread Trail segment is 1.6-mile that connects to the red blaze of the Ridgeline Trail that will take you north to Crowders Mountain or continue on west to the visitor's center at the Kings Mountain Military Park to learn the history of the Revolutionary War Battle site. There is a beautiful dam created by the Lake Crawford near the parking.
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.
Goat Island Greenway
Paved
Easy
.7 Miles One Way
The Goat Island Greenway is a paved surface trail, including two pedestrian bridges that go over two sections of the South Fork Catawba River.
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.
Power Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
1.39-mile circuit
This 1.39-mile circuit is marked with yellow signs. The power loop both begins and ends with the Power Line marker.
Mountain Island 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.
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.