Hikers and cyclists can enjoy a range of experiences: an easy 0.7-mile loop (fine gravel and asphalt) partly on a former quarry railroad, and/or a 4.5-mile gravel trail traversing the quarry property, including a couple of strenuous hills at about the half-way point. The loop trail is ADA compliant. Out-and-back excursions to a butterfly garden plateau or a cardio hill are add-on options built upon the earth removed from the original quarry. The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail parking lot and trailhead features a restroom/office facility, a bike rack and kiosk, and a picnic shelter that includes nine picnic tables and two large grills. There is also an interpretive nature trail for children to explore.

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail's trailhead is located on a one acre site about 0.5 miles south of Downtown Kings Mountain and is connected to downtown via sidewalks and sharrow markings. The Carolina Thread Trail starts in downtown Kings Mountain, runs through the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail parking lot, onto Rail Trail at the Gateway, and then turns right onto the loop trail then right again onto the Foote Trail, leading to a concrete trail bridge crossing over I-85 and continuing to Galilee Church Road. A small trailhead parking lot on Galilee Church Road accommodates three vehicles.