Trails, Tastes, and Small-Town Treasures
Every fall, the ridgeline of this ancient mountain range, where steep quartzite cliffs meet the fertile Catawba River Basin, transforms into a tapestry of fiery colors and crisp breezes. This stunning landscape drew artisans to make this place home, where they brought their passion for crafting beverages to life along what has come to be known as the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail—a collection of wineries, breweries, and distilleries rooted in the character of the land.
Travel the trail from forested heights to the river basin, exploring scenic hikes, craft pours, historic sites, charming downtowns, and seasonal treasures. Here’s how to savor autumn, one town at a time.
Kings Mountain: Peaks, Pours, and History
Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain. Photo Credit GoGastonNC, Gaston County Tourism
Nature & Trails: Begin at Crowders Mountain or the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, where sweeping vistas reveal the ridgeline in all its autumn glory. History buffs can step into the past at Kings Mountain National Military Park, the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle.
Veronét Vineyards and Winery in Kings Mountain. Photo Credit GoGastonNC, Gaston County Tourism
Sip & Savor: Sample a deep red at Veronét Vineyards, enjoying a flight or bottle outside under a heat lamp, paired with a charcuterie board. Or warm up with small-batch, award-winning Cardinal Gim at Southern Artisan Spirits, perfectly complemented by smoked wings.
Town Highlights: Downtown Kings Mountain offers both history and whimsy: explore the Kings Mountain Historical Museum, browse the Nutty for Nutcracker Museum, pick up fall gifts at The Imperial Mercantile, or dine at 133 West for a cozy evening meal.
Veronét Vineyards and Winery in Kings Mountain. Photo Credit GoGastonNC, Gaston County Tourism
Gastonia: Lakeside Views and Downtown Flavors
Nature & Trails: Rankin Lake Park reflects scarlet treetops on calm waters, while the Avon–Catawba Creek Greenway winds beneath a canopy of fall color, offering birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
Sip & Savor: Downtown Gastonia is a hub for craft beer lovers. Cavendish Brewing combines flavorful brews with board games, Durty Bull Brewing pairs great flatbreads with seasonal beers, and Keepsake Brewery delivers German-inspired hops for a crisp autumn sip.
Town Highlights: Enjoy dinner at Webb Custom Kitchen, where an old art-deco movie theater sets a stylish backdrop, or at Barrister’s inside The Esquire, a historic boutique hotel. For casual bites, Pita Wheel inside the landmark Sinclair gas station offers a unique lunch stop.
Aerial shot of downtown Gastonia. Photo Credit City of Gastonia
Belmont: Gardens, Trails, and Fall Finds
Nature & Trails: Explore Rocky Branch Park or wander the Daniel Stowe Conservancy under a canopy of colorful leaves along winding nature trails.
Sip & Savor: Downtown Belmont offers Primal Brewery for local craft pours or the whimsical Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill for a fun twist.
Town Highlights: Belmont’s boutique-lined streets invite a leisurely pace. Browse Piccolo Antique Mall, shop for fall décor and gifts on Main Street, or stop at The Everyday Market for a pumpkin latte and seasonal pastry. For a hearty meal, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen serves up Southern comfort with small-town warmth.
Mount Holly: Rivers, Ropes, and Cozy Streets
Nature & Trails: Stroll the paved paths of Tuckaseege Park along the Catawba River, or challenge yourself with a wooded ropes course or zipline at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Sip & Savor: Muddy River Distillery, housed in the oldest standing cotton mill, offers award-winning rum with a twist. Traust Brewing combines Nordic-inspired beers with Carolina hospitality, live music, hearty food, and a seasonal Sweater Weather caramel apple hard seltzer.
Town Highlights: End the day with a fine meal at The Holland, then browse Catalyst
Mercantile or The Vintage Nest for seasonal treasures and cozy fall sweaters.
Turn a Day on the Trail into a Weekend Escape
From crimson peaks and crisp autumn air to slow-moving rivers and locally crafted flavors, Gaston County’s fall scenery offers a truly immersive experience. Extend your visit with a weekend escape: Gastonia, Belmont and Mount Holly offer welcoming hotels, walkable downtowns, and easy access to the entire trail.
Beyond Gaston County, the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail continues to Newgrass Brewing in Shelby, Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery, and Woodmill Winery, where expansive Carolina skies set the stage for even more seasonal delights.
Fall along the ridgeline isn’t just a season—it’s a journey meant to be savored.
