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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.

Location

1201-1299 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA

1.5 Miles One Way

Easy

Best Use

Surface

Distance

Difficulty

Paved, Gravel

Walking, Biking, Running

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.

Sims Legion Park

Home to the Gaston College Rhinos baseball team. This facility makes a great location for your next event.

Hike these trails 

Located close by

Nature Trail at Schiele Museum

Natural Surface

Easy

0.7 mile loop

This nature trail is free for all visitors with access to the Play'Scape. Pets must be leashed.

Fern Trail at Crowders Mountain

Natural Surface

Easy

0.80 miles loop

This loop trail connects with a portion of the Turnback Trail and follows a creek for some portions of the trail.

Tower Trail at Crowders Mountain

Natural Surface

Advanced

1.8 miles one way

Begins at the Linwood Access Area and ends at the radio towers on Crowders Mountain.

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