The Carolina Thread Trail

The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of trails that will connect communities in North and South Carolina when completed. Ultimately more than two million people in fifteen counties, four in South Carolina and eleven in North Carolina, will have nearby access to portions of the trail system over the next ten to twenty years.

The leading agency that is coordinating development of the trail network is the Catawba Lands Conservancy. Funding for the project will be a combination of public grants and private money. Each community will develop their own trail portions, and master plans are being approved in a number of counties. One of the major objectives of the Carolina Thread Trail is to preserve green space and natural areas in communities undergoing rapid development. Other goals are to preserve wildlife habitat, improve water and air quality, and provide green space for outdoor activities. Different sections of the trail will be suitable for hiking, running, biking, and inline skating. Not every activity will be appropriate on each trail portion.

Sections of the Carolina Thread Trail are now open near Charlotte and Gastonia, North Carolina. Charlotte portions include greenway trails along Clark’s Creek and Little Sugar Creek. Gastonia segments include the Catawba Creek River Greenway and the Highland Rail Trail, running along what was once a Norfolk Southern Rail right of way. The scenic Broad River Trail near Shelby, North Carolina is also part of the network. Near Fort Mill, South Carolina, the Blue Star Trail section passes points of interest including a nature center, an old dairy farm, and a suspension bridge over Steele Creek. Existing trail sections near Chester, South Carolina include Rocky Creek Trail and the Lansford Canal Nature Trail.

The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is planned to connect the City of Kings Mountain, North Carolina to parks in North and South Carolina. This rugged area along the state line includes Crowder Mountain State Park in North Carolina, as well as Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park near Gaffney, South Carolina. An existing two mile segment in North Carolina follows along old mining roads near an abandoned quarry. An additional section of trail South Carolina may eventually connect to nearby Cowpens National Battlefield.

Some portions of the Carolina Thread Trail are paved and some are dirt or soft packed gravel. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in some areas. Most trails are open from dawn to dusk and have no user fees. This trail network will provide places to take a quiet walk, enjoy nature, and explore the surroundings.

By: S.Crawford

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Susan Crawford is the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn Gaffney Hotel. The Hampton Inn Gaffney Hotel offers a welcome place to rest when you're on the road. This Gaffney hotel is conveniently located off I-85 next to Hamrick's Department Store and Premium Outlets Gaffney. This property offers a full range of services and amenities to make your stay exceptional. For more information visit: www.HAMPTONINNGAFFNEY.COM