Gaston County, NC
Rankin Lake Park Trail
The Carolina Thread Trail is a network of trails and blueways across 15 counties in North and South Carolina offering people a place to hike bike, and paddle. A work in progress, the Carolina Thread Trail currently has more than 300 miles of trails and 170 miles of blueways. Once complete, the
system will total 1,600 miles. Gaston County’s distinct towns and its proximity to the Catawba and South Fork Rivers make it ripe for
exploring via their trails and blueways.
1.9 miles
Moderate
Walking, Jogging
1750 Rankin Lake Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Rankin Lake Park
What started as a WPA project in 1922 is now a premier city park. A 1.5-mile paved walking trail rims the 80-acre lake, complete with fishing pier and boat dock. Canoes, kayaks, johnboats and pedal boats are available to rent. A clubhouse and several picnic shelters allow for group events.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.