Mountain Island Park

Nowhere is that connection stronger than at Mountain Island Park and its 3.2-mile greenway which follows the west shore of the Catawba River as its winds south toward Belmont.

The wide, soft surface trail is shaded by mature hardwoods, has benches and trash receptacles spaced at regular intervals, and provides opportunities to see water fowl in the river and other wildlife in the deep woods through which it passes.

HOURS: The park and the trail are open from dawn to dusk each day.

AMENITIES: Walking trail, canoe launch, handicapped-accessible fishing pier, small playground, picnic tables

CAMPING: Several primitive campsites are located along the trail, each equipped with a tent pad, picnic table and charcoal grill. Camping requires advanced registration which may be done by calling 704-827-3931.

RESTROOMS: None

The trail begins at the south end of the parking area at a kiosk with a very clear map of the trail and the area through which it passes.

From the beginning to end is a distance of roughly 1.6 miles, thus making the roundtrip journey a 3.2-mile walk. The first .60-mile of the trail is flat and offers numerous views of the river and access to more fishing along the river. If young children or folks not in the best of shape are walking with you, the second trail kiosk at the .60-mark would make an excellent turnaround for a 1.2-mile stroll. The one mile of trail after the second kiosk has a natural surface, goes through the woods, over bridges, and is very scenic as in continues along the Catawba River.

Mount Holly’s Mountain Island Park is a scenic place to enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing along the Catawba River.

Mount Holly

Located on the east side of Gaston County, North Carolina along the Catawba River is Mount Holly. Visitors can find this old mill town and fun things to do, by traveling north along Hwy 273 off of exit 27 on I-85.

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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.