The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Gastonia, North Carolina for an Outdoor Adventure

The city of Gastonia is located on the western outskirts of Charlotte and just north of the South Carolina border. It's known for its park, and there are around 80 of those. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you may want to spend time in Gastonia if you don't live here already. For those who have dogs and would like options for dog-friendly hikes in Gastonia, North Carolina, I have compiled a list of trails that you and your fur babies can enjoy together. So, grab your dogs' harnesses, leashes, and travel water bowls, and plan an outdoor hiking adventure!

1. Backside Trail - Crowders Mountain State Park

The Backside Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park is a moderate out-and-back trek at 1.8 miles and only 656 feet of elevation gain. The hardest part is a steep staircase of over 230 stairs that leads to an overlook where you can see the city of Charlotte in the distance. I have a feeling that the stairs will be your dog's favorite part of the trail, and they may even help pull you up!

2. Laurel Hill Loop - George Poston Park

Located at George Poston Park, the 4-mile Laurel Hill Loop should only take around 1.5 hours to complete. However, you should allow for extra time as your dog may have too much fun watching for birds and other wildlife and being by the water. This trail can get muddy depending on recent weather conditions, so wearing a pair of hiking boots or shoes with a good grip is a good idea.

3. Avon Creek Greenway

The Avon Creek Greenway is a paved path in the Gastonia area popular with bikers, runners, and walkers. Because it is paved and five feet wide along most of the trail, it's wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. So, feel free to bring the whole fam (pups included) for a hike this trail. At 4.3 miles of primarily flat pavement, this out-and-back trail is rated as easy, but also note you don't have to trek its entire length and can turn around at any time. For those with mobility equipment, three designated parking spots are found at the lot off Fern Drive.

4. Shorts Lake Trail - Crowders Mountain State Park

Another trail option within Crowders Mountain State Park, Shorts Lake Trail, is a short and sweet 0.7-mile hike. It is dog- and kid-friendly and offers lake views nearly the entire way around the lake. The whole family can enjoy some time outside by the water and discover the wildlife that calls the park home.

5. Rankin Lake Loop - Rankin Lake Park

Another trail that circumnavigates a lake, Rankin Lake Loop, is 1.6 miles long and paved. Dogs can even be off-leash in some areas. You and your fur baby can enjoy walking around the lake and playing catch by the water. Kids will also have fun getting fresh air and exercise on this easy trail.

Have you taken your pups on any of these dog-friendly hikes in Gastonia, North Carolina? If you know of another pet-friendly trail in the area, send us a note through our nomination page. And don't forget to download the AllTrails app for guidance along the trails!