Gastonia, North Carolina

Gastonia, North Carolina is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. From peaceful strolls to adrenaline-filled adventures, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities to experience. Popular attractions in and near the area include Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, Lake Norman State Park, and the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. All of these attractions offer a variety of outdoor activities to explore, making it a perfect destination for all kinds of adventurers.

Top Spots in and near Gastonia

Gastonia, North Carolina
Hike Crowders Mountain

4.6

4.2 mi / 1100 ft gain

Crowders Mountain State Park is the closest green space to downtown Charlotte and it will not disappoint. There are two peaks worth checking out: The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. Crowders Mountain stands at 1,600' offering incredible views of the surrounding area and on a clear day you can see...
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Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Drive the Crowders Mountain Drive

Drove this scenic road to my way to Crowders Mountain State Park. Very pretty views.
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UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville

0.5 mi

Just a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further. The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...
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Catawba, North Carolina
Visit Murray's Mill

4.5

The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House. Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...
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Gaffney, South Carolina
Drive the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

This 118 mile drive in South Carolina can be driven during different seasons (storms permitting). Along this route, aside from stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll have the opportunity to take in historic locations, towns, and monuments. Make sure to bring your camera! Here is a lin...
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Statesville, North Carolina
Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman

4.4

5 mi / 75 ft gain

From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route.
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Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Chestnut Knob via River Trail

4.0

5.9 mi / 1115 ft gain

The journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...
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Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Falls

4.6

2.47 mi / 617 ft gain

From the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep rig...
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Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

4.83 mi / 1043 ft gain

High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
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Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail

5.0

6.18 mi / 1299 ft gain

This 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites. OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...
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Hickory, North Carolina
Geitner Rotary Park Loop

5.0

2.65 mi / 354 ft gain

Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
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Carlisle, South Carolina
Mountain Bike Croft State Park

4.0

16 mi

Croft State Park, called Tour de' Dump by locals, is a 7,000 acre state park containing a lake, a river, horse back riding, recreational fields, etc. but it is more commonly known for its mountain biking. Made up of a little more than 16 miles of trails you can enter the Southside Loop Trail fro...
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Hiddenite, United States
Hike The Hollow Rock Trail at Rocky Face Mountain

4.0

2.4 mi / 514 ft gain

From the parking lot, head northwest to find the trailhead for Buzzard Roost Loop. Follow that and stay left to meet up with the Hollow Rock Trail. This is a moderate hike with great views of the park. Perfect for a quick escape with the family. For a quick and tasty bite after your hike, hit up ...
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