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.

Mountain Island Tailrace 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

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Located in Cherryville this park offers a walking track and more.

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.