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George Poston Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,477 Google reviews · Running trail in Gastonia, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from George Poston Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dog-friendly park with sports fields, trails, a lake, picnicking, playgrounds & mountain biking.
What runners say about George Poston Park
“Very peaceful place, for a walk, run or just to go there sit and reflect, I hope people keep it as clean as it is, is very enjoyable.”
“The park has a lot of other amenities like a pier overlooking a beautiful pond, dog park, and hiking areas.”
“The path is covered by a canopy of trees, providing plenty of shade.”
“However, the beautiful scenery, well-maintained and well-marked trails made it a worthwhile experience.”
“It’s all here for all ages and types and very well kept up.”
What a great place to visit! The pump track is somewhat challenging but so much fun. Inexperienced riders need to wear PPEs to prevent skinned body parts. There are several trails of differing difficulties, covered picnic areas and even a pier for fishing. I want to go back and check out the mountain bike course.
I grew up in Gaston County and wish this park was around when I was growing up. Gaston County has an amazing natural history and it is on full display here in the park. The trails are beautiful, extensive and well-marked. The natural flora is so incredibly special and it is beautifully preserved here.
This winding Laurel Hill Loop Trail, 4-mile trail features lots of bends and elevation changes, so be prepared for a good workout. The path is covered by a canopy of trees, providing plenty of shade. To stay on course, follow the directions marked on the trees and use a navigation app like AllTrails.
Nice adventurous park with many different trails, biking areas, playgrounds, fishing prier, and a shelter for a grill with the family. We did the lake loop trail it was marked very well based on the map displayed in the parking area. I love the kiddos' trails is paved and visible. I really enjoyed this trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The park has a lot of other amenities like a pier overlooking a beautiful pond, dog park, and hiking areas.”
“Those also have a restroom and area to fix minor repairs for your bike.”
“This winding Laurel Hill Loop Trail, 4-mile trail features lots of bends and elevation changes, so be prepared for a good workout.”
“This winding Laurel Hill Loop Trail, 4-mile trail features lots of bends and elevation changes, so be prepared for a good workout.”
“The park has a lot of other amenities like a pier overlooking a beautiful pond, dog park, and hiking areas.”
“However, the beautiful scenery, well-maintained and well-marked trails made it a worthwhile experience.”
“The path is covered by a canopy of trees, providing plenty of shade.”
“We did the lake loop trail it was marked very well based on the map displayed in the parking area.”
“For mountain biking be aware there aren't many easy flat or smooth trails, they're all quite rooty blue trails.”
“Handicap accessible for the pier as well.”
Plan your run at George Poston Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance12 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegastongov.com
- Phone+1 704-922-2160
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–11 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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