Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is a great spot for hiking, for both adults and kids, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Its address is 807 South Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, which is about 32 miles west of the center of Charlotte. This beautiful set of trails is worth a visit from anyone in the Charlotte area.
Some highlights are a lush butterfly garden, scenic vistas of the quarry, and a bamboo forest.
It’s close to Crowders Mountain State Park, which is a big draw for hikers. It’s also close to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park, which are right across the South Carolina border. Also, while in Downtown Kings Mountain, check the Kings Mountain Historical Museum and Southern Arts Society Gallery and Gift Shop.
Check out this list of 50+ walks and hikes near Charlotte!
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is free to visit and is open from dawn to dusk every day.
The trails are extraordinarily well maintained and well marked. Most of the trails are wheelchair or stroller accessible, although some include a steep incline. Most of the walk is shaded. Bikes are allowed, but not horses. Leashed dogs are welcome.
There are four main trails: Rail Trail Loop, Plateau Loop, Cardio Hill, and Foote Trail. Read on to learn about each of these trails.
At the trailhead there’s ample parking, restrooms, a water fountain, a picnic shelter, an information kiosk and a playground.
Rail Trail Loop
Rail Trail Loop is .7 miles, with part of it built on an old rail bed. Part of this trail is paved and part is gravel. This trail is mostly flat, and leads to the other trails.
One interesting spot is the bamboo forest off the Rail Trail. It’s marked — just take the little mini-trail to see the bamboo trees.
Plateau Loop
The Plateau Trail is .42 miles roundtrip and is paved. There’s a moderate incline to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the butterfly garden, which has a path through and around it.
The butterfly garden is a highlight of the hike. Take some time to enjoy the variety of flowers and pollinators.
Cardio Hill
Cardio Hill is .4 miles long, each way, and has a moderate incline. It leads to spots with nice overlooks of the City of Kings Mountain and, especially, the quarry.
Foote Trail
The Foote Trail is a 4.5 mile gravel trail includes a variety of terrains. It crosses I-85 and includes some great views.
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