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Rankin Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,425 Google reviews · Running trail in Gastonia, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rankin Lake 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.
Park featuring a reservoir, picnic shelters, horseshoes, paved trails, fishing, boating & more.
What runners say about Rankin Lake Park
“It has everything you could want—a well-maintained kids' playground, spacious baseball and soccer fields, walking tracks, and a lovely picnic area perfect for weekend outings.”
“5 mile paved walking track, with a beautiful continuous view of the lake and all of the things of nature that come with it.”
“Whether you're looking to work out, take a peaceful walk, or just relax with the family, this park has you covered.”
Rankin Lake is a well maintained park. The park contains picnic shelters and inside areas to provide an ideal spot for your events. There is plenty to do here. The park contains a 1.5 mile paved walking track around the beautiful lake. You can rent kayaks, canoes, peddle and Jon boats at a fair price.
Folks, we are lucky to have a place like this so close. A very nice 1.5 mile paved walking track, with a beautiful continuous view of the lake and all of the things of nature that come with it. You can watch the eagles fly, the ducks playing on top of the water.
Beautiful lake and walk around it has so many views and things to do. We just walked around the park for the exercise and beauty. They have fishing areas, rental boats on weekends in the fall, pavilions, disc golf, bathrooms, grills at pavilions and horseshoe pits.
Gorgeous lake with wonderful winter birding! We visited for the first time this weekend after seeing how many types of birds were listed on ebird. It did not disappoint. It was only 34 degrees but we didn't mind so much. There is a lovely paved path around the lake with multiple viewing docks.
Trail conditions & character
“5 mile paved walking track, with a beautiful continuous view of the lake and all of the things of nature that come with it.”
“5 mile paved walking track, with a beautiful continuous view of the lake and all of the things of nature that come with it.”
“This is a pet friendly park, and they have stations that supply bags to pick up poop that comes from your pet (please pick up after your dog).”
“They have fishing areas, rental boats on weekends in the fall, pavilions, disc golf, bathrooms, grills at pavilions and horseshoe pits.”
“Whether you're looking to work out, take a peaceful walk, or just relax with the family, this park has you covered.”
Plan your run at Rankin Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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.
- Websitecityofgastonia.com
- Phone+1 704-866-6839
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Gastonia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Avon/Catawba Creeks Greenway
4.7 ★★★★★ 117 reviews
Asphalt trail for exercising, running, walking and biking, with shaded sections.
George Poston Park
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Dog-friendly park with sports fields, trails, a lake, picnicking, playgrounds & mountain biking.