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South Fork River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Running trail in Gastonia, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from South Fork River 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.
Riverside scenic park featuring trails, picnic tables and benches as well as hiking and fishing.
What runners say about South Fork River Park
“The trails aren't paved but well-kept and the rewarding view of the river and turtles was worth to reach.”
“The walk to get to the river is beautiful and takes around 7 to 15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk.”
“Very peaceful and well maintained.”
Very peaceful and well maintained. Water view reminds me of A River Runs through it at one spot.
Great park. There is a short walk to reach the river. Lots of turtles in this spot.
Well maintained trail with only one steep part by the river. Picnic tables, benches, and trashcans by river. Beautiful scenery, wildlife to view. Great place for pets!
The trail was beautiful, and it was so relaxing. We didn't make it down to the river, so I haven't seen the whole park yet, but we definitely want to go back. The trail can be a little steep-- not stroller friendly (I carried the baby in a carrier).
Trail conditions & character
“The walk to get to the river is beautiful and takes around 7 to 15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk.”
“Some people tend to forget that you have to have your dog on a leash though.”
“The trail can be a little steep-- not stroller friendly (I carried the baby in a carrier).”
“Also there technically isn't a public bathroom, but there is a porta potty in the parking lot”
“great gravel trail which carries you close to the Catawba river.”
“Also there technically isn't a public bathroom, but there is a porta potty in the parking lot”
“I went to go fishing, its REALLY muddy after it rains.”
Plan your run at South Fork River 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
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitegastongov.com
- Phone+1 704-922-2160
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 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.
Lowell South Fork River Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Poston Park River Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Peaceful hiking area with picnic tables and a lake for fishing.
Spencer Mountain Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
George Poston Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,477 reviews
Dog-friendly park with sports fields, trails, a lake, picnicking, playgrounds & mountain biking.
South Fork Trail and Blueway Access
4.5 ★★★★★ 138 reviews
Trail to stroll along the South Fork River past a disused cotton mill and for canoeing.