Finding Adventure in Gaston County, NC
Carved by ancient rivers and born of crumbled mountains in the Piedmont between the Blue Ridge foothills and Charlotte's edge, Gaston County, North Carolina, is emerging as an unexpected hub for outdoor adventure. It's a playground for weekend warriors and soul searchers, from epic mountain trails to winding rivers, bike-friendly paths, and a vibrant outdoor culture.
Ask anyone who lives and plays here, and one name comes to mind: Adam Bratton — founder of the Human Powered Movement and a tireless advocate for the power of nature to move us.
Adam enjoying Gaston County's natural beauty,
Originally from Pennsylvania, Adam landed in Charlotte for his MBA but fell in love with Gaston County's natural beauty — and his Gaston-native wife. Years spent working at the Whitewater Center further cemented his passion for the outdoors. He's a local ambassador for the best ways to push your limits and a local champion for exploring and protecting Gaston's wild spaces.
“I always envisioned myself on the back slope of Colorado,” Bratton says. “But the first time I kayaked the South Fork and ran the trails at Rocky Branch, I realized I was already where I was supposed to be.”
Top 3 Adventures for Your Weekend
Adam's top picks? Crowders Mountain State Park for rugged cliffs and breathtaking views; the South Fork River for a relaxing paddle; and Daniel Stowe Conservancy for a slower pace at the botanical garden and on the trails. And, of course, the Whitewater Center's human-made class II-IV rapids, zip lines, and canopy tours are a must.
Scenic Paddling
The Catawba River anchors the region's paddling scene, but Adam's favorite is the meandering South Fork, winding through hardwood forests and historic mill towns. Rentals are easy to find at Aquatic Adventures at the Boathouse in McAdenville, Tailrace Marina in Mount Holly, or Anchored Soul — so you can spend less time prepping and more time paddling.
Mountain Biking and Road Cycling
Rocky Branch Park in Cramerton/Belmont is a must for mountain bikers. There's something for everyone, from mellow crushed trails to double black diamond lines with daring features. Over at George Poston Park in Lowell, you'll find tight, technical trails and a world-class Velo-Solutions pump track—ideal for both kids and the young at heart. Road cyclists will find rolling hills and scenic countryside on the classic Spamerton Route, linking Spencer Mountain and Cramerton Mountain for a ride that blends challenge and charm.
Adventure Racing: Challenge Yourself
Adam also brings his competitive spirit to the race scene, hosting events like the South Fork Sampler (a multisport scavenger hunt on water and trail) and The Perennial (an endurance run at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden). These events don't just test your limits—they connect you to the local landscape and give back to nonprofits like the Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Fuel Up and Unwind
After a day outside, grab a craft beer at Traust Brewing or The Summit Beer Shop in Mt. Holly. Tony's Ice Cream in Gastonia is a local classic for family fun, and Pita Wheel in both Belmont and Gastonia never disappoint.
Accessible and Unforgettable
Located just west of Charlotte and close to major highways and airports, Gaston County is easy to reach — and hard to leave. The country's charm for Adam is its endless adventures without the epic travel. “For those coming from out of town,” he says, “you'll already be planning your return trip on the way home.”
His final advice? “Being adventure-curious can lead to once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” he says. So, grab your gear, gather your crew, and find your next human-powered moment at GoGaston.org.
