Explore the best rated trails in Gastonia, NC. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Highland Rail Trail and Croft Passage (Palmetto Trail). With more than 55 trails covering 156 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Enjoyed the walk on this trail. Very unique with houses, businesses and trees on the way. We found this trail ok but it sure is easier when there is an address.
I’ve walked this trail many times. It goes along side the Catawba River. Most of it is shady in the summer so that is nice. It is paved and almost totally flat. Part of it is close to a busy road so you can hear the traffic noise.
Nice paved trail that meanders alongside the river. Only slight grades up or down-otherwise near flat. On this Saturday there were more walkers, joggers and dog walkers than bikes. Not crowded but you would see people every few minutes along the ride. Will return.
I thought this was a nice trail. It was clean and there were quite a few people on the trail. I enjoyed the walk. There are bathrooms although we did not use them. There were some hills.
Well paved and marked, decent length, not too many road crossings, and none over major roads, a decent portion more with natural surroundings like trees, and nothing really against it
I moved from Northern Virginia near the W&OD trail that recently won top trial in the nation for cycling so it's been tough to adapt. Although this trail maxes out at a 27-mile rile (unlike being able to do over a metric century on the W&OD) and being an hour drive to get from just west of Charlotte, it is an almost perfect rail trail for road bikes.
Suspension bridge is a unique feature— easy, mostly flat trail, by the water, unpaved. Lots of bridges. Cool rock formations in the water, and small dam-like water fall.
We parked at a park 2 miles from the northern end and went north to the end and then back south to Forest City and back north to the car. About 17 miles and 2 hours. Nice even pavement. Warm fall day. Perfect. Northern end more woodsy but interesting in the more populated areas and towns as well. Would defiantly do it again.
The trail is wide, paved and well maintained. There are a number of street crossings but most are small country roads. The scenery’s is beautiful. Enjoy!
River Birch Trail is an excellent, easy trail. It provides a nice, shady walk along the lazy river with beautiful views of nice homes on the other side. I highly recommend it!
Not a "destination" trail, but the perfect stop along the way. Take an hour or 2 only 1 mile off of I-40. Peaceful 4 mile ride (8 mi RT) alongside the River. Take a break, walk down to the river, and enjoy your lunch. Stop at Ingles at the Trailhead entrance either coming in or heading out and fill up your gas tank. Your other tanks will be filled as well...
My wife and I walked this trail for the first time today. It was quiet and pleasant, and we enjoyed being near the creek and under the trees. However, we were a little confused as to whether the intended trail was the narrower Palmetto Trail, or the wider road complete with many, and sometimes smelly, elevated manhole covers, or whether they were the one and the same from time to time.
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