Construction on new public trails at Spencer Mountain begins
Gaston County, N.C. – The Charlotte region will soon have a new iconic outdoor destination to complement Kings and Crowders Mountains, after a groundbreaking ceremony at the base of Spencer Mountain on Wednesday, February 18. The ceremony marked the start of construction on trails and facilities at the third-highest peak in the Charlotte region. The new trails are the culmination of 25 years of effort by Catawba Lands Conservancy to provide public access to Spencer Mountain and will be part of the 1,600 mile Carolina Thread Trail network, 450 miles of which are complete. The trails are anticipated to open to the public in the fall of 2026.
Spencer Mountain is one of the best-known geographic features in the Charlotte region, visible from miles around. The skyline of Charlotte is clearly visible from its summit, making it a desirable destination for sightseeing, hiking, biking, picnics and other outdoor recreation. An observation deck and small park will be built at the summit for users to take in the surrounding panoramic views.
Once complete, the Spencer Mountain Trails will welcome the public to explore three miles of trail around and up historic Spencer Mountain, including an easy loop trail around the base of the mountain, and a more active switchback trail up the western face to the summit at 1,250 feet. Trail facilities will allow access for hiking, cycling and people with mobility limitations, and will connect Gaston County’s George Poston Park to the 23-mile Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor. The corridor will extend south to Daniel Stowe Conservancy and the South Carolina state line.
“Spencer Mountain is primed to become the Charlotte region’s next great destination that will allow thousands to enjoy healthy activity with friends and family outdoors” said Chris Peek President and CEO of CaroMont Health.
CaroMont Health provided significant financial support for the trail construction at Spencer Mountain.
“Catawba Lands Conservancy has been working for decades to make public access to Spencer Mountain a reality. Because of strong partnerships with WBTV (landowner), CaroMont Health, Gaston County, the Town of Ranlo and many other great supporters the spectacular scenery and views at Spencer Mountain will now be available to all” said Bart Landess Executive Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail.
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Photo by Allison Hester