Founders Trail

The Founders Trail is a beautiful natural surface trail along the Catawba River with a sidewalk connection to the Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail and River Park.
Trail Uses
Walking / hiking / running Mountain biking
Locations
Fort Mill (SC), Rock Hill (SC)
Length
2.30 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Gravel/Crushed stone, Natural surface, Boardwalk, Sidewalk, Pavement
Motorized Vehicles
Not Permitted
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Parking Spaces
15
Restrooms
No
Hours
Dawn to Dusk

Description

The Founders Trail is a 2.3-mile mostly natural surface trail that provides connectivity between the Piedmont Medical Center Trail (Riverwalk) and Masons Bend Trail, all while following a beautiful stretch of the free flowing Catawba River.

From the North, users can utilize the trail parking at end of Weir Court in the Masons Bend development.  Following the trail south, the trail runs along the River and provides a series of bridges and boardwalks. Additionally, benches are provided to allow trail users to take a break and view the river.  There is also an overlook at the north end of the trail affording opportunities to be inspired by the view of the Catawba.  If you head north on the Founders Trail it will connect directly into the Masons Bend Trail allowing the user to travel an additional one and quarter miles along the river.  (See Masons Bend Trail information)

At the south end, trail users can utilize the trailhead of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail and follow it north to Route 21, from there, the Founders Trail begins as a sidewalk along the Route 21 Bridge over the Catawba River.  The sidewalk section runs for approximately 2000’ and transitions by making a “U-turn” to the right just after the guardrails and follows the old road back and travels underneath the Route 21 Bridge.

Trail Manager

Visit the Nation Ford Land Trust for more information or contact:

Nation Ford Land Trust
242 Dairy Barn Lane
Fort Mill, SC 29716

803-547-8140
View website

Featured Post

Three local adventures on the Thread Trail
Three local adventures on the Thread Trail
Do you long for adventure and new things to see, but you still want to responsibly social distance? Here are several under-the-radar outdoor walking itineraries for a variety of moods and occasions, all within about an hour of Charlotte. Of course, check ahead to make sure there are no closures or special hours.
> Read Post

Trail Tips

Layer Up
When out on trail in cooler weather, wear layers which are easy to add/remove so that you can maintain a comfortable temperature.
Legend
Hide All
View Connector Trails
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Norman Section
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Wylie Dam to Landsford Canal State Park
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Wylie Section
Catawba River Blueway - Mountain Island Lake Section
Masons Bend Trail
River Trail
Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail
Waterford Trail
Wetland Trail

Trailhead Information

North Parking Address and Trailhead - End of Weir Court, Fort Mill, SC 29708 MAP

South Parking Address and Trailhead - Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead - 575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 MAP

 

Click on an icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
SHARE THIS TRAIL
PRINT THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Carolina Thread Trails: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…