There’s plenty to do outside this time of year! From outdoor festivals, tours, and events, to picnics, hikes, and strolls along the trails and greenways; there’s probably not enough spring and summer to do it all. If you feel you’ve, “been there, done that,” close to home, there’s more to explore just west of Charlotte.
We spoke with Melissa McCauley, Marketing Manager from Gaston County Tourism Development about must-see locations and little-known opportunities to get outside. Have you seen them all yet??
Crowders Mountain State Park
The pinnacle of Gaston County State Park and a must-see for visitors! Just a 30 minute drive from Charlotte, this one-of-a-kind park includes 30 miles of hiking trails – including the Ridgeline Trail connecting to Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina. There’s space for camping, paddling, fishing, rock climbing, and bouldering, too.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/post/an-insider-s-guide-to-crowders-mountain-state-park
Goat Island Park in Cramerton
Goat Island in Cramerton is a fun park where you can rent kayaks and bikes and other equipment to use in the park such as disc golf, ping pong, and corn hole via Confluence. The park features two pedestrian bridges over the South Fork River, a fishing pier, playgrounds for the kids, and an adult fitness pavilion. There’s also an 18 hole disc golf course on the property. Make a day of it and rent one of the reservable picnic shelters.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/places/goat-island-park
Tuckaseege Park in Mount Holly
Tuckaseege Park in Mount Holly is a popular place for locals to picnic, play, and spend some quality family time. The park stays busy with three baseball fields and one multi-purpose field, too. The park is adjacent to the Tuckaseege Community Center, which includes a fitness center, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. McCauley says there’s also a great trail to explore along the Catawba River.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/places/Tuckaseege-Park-in-Mount-Holly
George Poston Park
Tucked near the base of Spencer Mountain, George Poston Park features 13 miles of trails built by Piedmont Area Single Track Alliance. The park is also home to North Carolina’s first asphalt pump track. But Poston isn’t just for bikes. The park includes lighted ballfields for soccer and softball, a volleyball court, covered shelters, trails, a fishing pier, a dog park, playground equipment, and a whole lot more.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/post/george-poston-park-mountain-biking
Rankin Lake Park
A Gaston County landmark since its construction in the 1920’s, Rankin Lake Park boasts a beautiful trail running along the perimeter of the lake with opportunities to paddle and fish. And that’s just the start of it. The 242-acre park includes picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, two horseshoe courts, an outdoor classroom, and a trailhead and connector to the Highland Rail Trail of the greenway system.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/post/copy-of-go-gaston-poston-park-perfect-place-to-bike-walk-fish-romp
Off the Trail and Into the Water
Paddling in growing in popularity since Catawba Riverkeeper moved their headquarters to McAdenville. Visitors can access the water via the Boathouse run by CR for a fun day on the water. They will completely get you outfitted for a fun day. There are several other mobile companies that will also get you geared up for a fun day with hourly rentals.
https://www.gogastonnc.org/paddle
https://www.gogastonnc.org/post/nc-weekend-features-paddling-on-gaston-county-blueways
Did we miss one of your favorites or best-kept secrets in Gaston County? Let us know in the comments!
