Highland Rail Trail

The 1.9-mile Highland Rail Trail was constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway. This paved trail links downtown Gastonia with Sims Legion Park, and extends north to Bulb Avenue.
Trail Uses
Walking / hiking / running Paved surface biking
Location
Gastonia (NC)
Length
1.90 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Gravel/Crushed stone, Pavement
Motorized Vehicles
Not Permitted
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Restrooms
No
Hours
Dawn - Dusk

Description

The Highland Rail Trail is a ten foot wide, paved facility constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway. This 1.9-mile urban trail passes through residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, linking downtown Gastonia with Sims Legion Park and beyond. The Carolina Thread Trail sign marks one entrance to the trail at the intersection of Broad Street and Long Avenue. From this point, the trail continues northwest past Sims Legion Park toward I-85. For now the trail ends at a tunnel under Bulb Avenue where a future greenway project will link it to Rankin Lake Park. 

Points of interest along the trail include Sims Legion Park Baseball Fields, Highland School of Technology, access to Erwin Neighborhood Center along Davidson Avenue, access to downtown Gastonia as well as the Farmer's Market on Long Avenue.

Trail Manager

Visit the City of Gastonia online for more information or contact:

City of Gastonia
PO Box 1748
Gastonia, NC 28053
704-866-6839
recreation@cityofgastonia.com
View website

Featured Post

Our Top 10 Adventures on the Thread Trail
Our Top 10 Adventures on the Thread Trail
Summer is a great time to get outside, whether that’s paddling on the water, hiking a trail or cruising on a greenway.
> Read Post

Trail Tips

Slippery When Wet
Some trails will be slippery after a rain or if they are covered in fallen leaves. Watch your step!
Legend
Hide All
View Connector Trails
Highland Rail Trail - Downtown Sidewalk Connection

Trailhead Information

Parking Address: Gastonia Police Department, 200 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052 MAP

Trailhead Location: MAP

Additional Directions: Parking is also available thoughout downtown Gastonia.

Click on an icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
alecwyn
September 08, 2024
Trial is closed for construction about 1.2 miles into it.
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…