Highland Rail Trail | Gastonia North Carolina

The 1.67 mile long Highland Rail Trail is constructed along the historic Carolina and
Northwestern Railway. Running north, the Highland Rail Trail begins downtown at Long Avenue near Broad Street and currently ends at Rankin Lake Road, north of I-85. It’s an urban trail meandering through residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, with access to Marietta Street, Davidson Street and Rankin Lake Road. The rail-trail is part of a planned system that will connect Downtown Gastonia to Rankin Lake Park.

Through a cooperative arrangement between the City of Gastonia and Norfolk Southern Corp., it was the first municipal federally rail banked corridor in NC. The rail-trail is named for, and runs adjacent to Highland, Gastonia’s historic African-American community situated immediately to the north of downtown.

Directions and Parking
ParkingParking is available along the trail at Sims Legion Parkis Park.

Directions from I-85 take Exit 17 onto N Chester / US 321. Travel south for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto N Caldwell Street. Travel 0.1 miles. Turn left onto West Sycamore Avenue. Travel 0.3 miles. Turn left onto N Marietta Street and travel 0.1 miles. The parking lot is on the left.

Parking is also available in Downtown Gastonia across the railroad trench, south of the Long Avenue/Broad Street trailhead In early 2010 a bicycle pedestrian system will be completed
trailhead. 2010, bicycle-through downtown and connect to this trailhead.

Trail Length
1.67 Miles

Points of Interest
Sims Legion Park Baseball Fields
Highland School of Technology Access to Erwin Neighborhood Center along Davidson Avenue Farmer’s Market on Long Avenue

Surface Type
Paved asphalt

Permissible Activities
Walking Running Paved surface Bicycling Roller Skating and Skateboarding

Level of Difficulty
Easy walk, level

Pet Policy
Dogs on a leash

Restroom facilities availability
Restrooms are available at Sims Legion Park, but only when there are Grizzlies games during summer evenings

Fees and hours
No fees
Hours: Daily during daylight hours