Trails Less Traveled
Less crowded segments of the Carolina Thread Trail
- Sean Bloom, Biologist and GIS Director for the Catawba Lands Conservancy
Family Friendly Trails
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South Fork Rail Trail
Trailhead: 2677 Laboratory Rd, Lincolnton, NC
The South Fork Rail Trail is a 1.8-mile long, flat and graveled trail just south of Lincolnton, NC that runs on an old rail line along the South Fork Catawba River. The trail features great views of the historic Laboratory Mill, Cypress Swamp, and dry, rocky slopes reminiscent of the Carolina mountains. It is located within the Historic Rhyne Conservation Area, featuring nearly 500-acres protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy .
Notable Plants: Fire Pink, Bald Cypress, Climbing Milkvine, Virgina Spiderwort
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Murray's Mill
Trailhead: 1489 Murrays Mill Rd, Catawba, NC
The Murray's Mill Trail is a 1.4-mile long trail along the banks of Murry's Mill Lake and located in eastern Catawba County about ten minutes off I-40. Parking for the trail is at the Murray’s Mill and the Murray & Minges General Store. Kids will love seeing the giant water wheel and shopping in the general store for old fashioned candy and local honey.
Notable Plants: Swamp Azalea, Cardinal Flower, Golden Club, and Wild Raisin
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Landsford Canal State Park
The Landsford Canal Trail follows the Catawba River and is best known for having the largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. However, there is plenty to see throughout the year. The flat 1.5-mile long trail follows the Catawba River and the historic canal that transported cargo around the Landsford Shoals.
Notable Plants: Rocky Shoals Spider-lily, American Beautyberry, Eastern Green Violet, and Green Dragon.
Way out of the Way
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Rocky Creek Trail
Trailhead: 1030 Chester Ave, Great Falls, SC
The Rocky Creek Trail is a scenic, mostly gravel, 1.5-mile trail that runs along Rocky Creek just outside of Great Falls, SC. The trail features a waterfall, beach, and beautiful views of the Rocky Creek Shoals.
Notable Plants: The slopes are awash in early spring ephemeral flowers like Bloodroot, Trout Lilly, and Trilliums.
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The Falcon Trail
Trailhead: 48380 US-52, Misenheimer, NC
The Falcon Trail is a 2.7-mile long natural surface trail that connects the towns of Misenheimer and Richfield, passing by historic buildings and Pfeiffer University along the way.
Notable Plants: Atascos Lily, Swamp Milkweed, Small's Penstemon, and Spring Beauty
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Love Valley
Trailhead: 169 Henry Martin Tr, Love Valley, NC
Love Valley and it's trails are nestled in a valley under the Brushy Mountains. The town is a throwback to the wild west so be aware these trails have many horseback riders so wear appropriate shoes and gear.
Work for It
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Bakers Mountain
Trailhead: 6680 Bakers Mtn Rd, Hickory, NC
The views from atop Bakers Mountain are amazing, if you can make it! The final climb to the top is tough, very tough. However, there are plenty of other great trails around the mountain with plenty of interesting things to see.
Notable Plants: Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron, Wild Ginger, Witch-alder, grass-leaved golden aster, and multiple species of Trillium.
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Girl Scout Trail
Trailhead: 1763 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, NC
The 2.0-mile long Girl Scout Trail follows the South Yadkin River at the Girl Scouts' Hornest Nest Council camp that is protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy . The trail climbs and drops through hardwood forests, wildflower filled openings, over small streams, and past a hardwood swamp.
Notable Plants: Devil's bit, Carolina rose, white beebalm, lizard's tail, and bladdernut
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Lake Whelchel
Trailhead: 122 Boat Landing Dr, Gaffney, SC
The Lake Whelchel Trail is a 6.7-mile long natural surface loop trail around Lake Whelchel and part of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The terrain is moderate, but the full loop makes this a decent day hike.
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