Dog walking in Gastonia

East Franklin

East Franklin is one of the several neighborhoods in Gastonia that the Catawba Creek runs though. It’s also where you’ll find parking for the Avon/Catawba Creeks Greenway, a great place for you and your pup to start your adventure in Gastonia! This paved greenway is easy on the paws and the eyes, and meanders through mature trees and over scenic bridges. While your pal takes a break, you can take in information about the common bird species in the area on the various signs posted throughout the park. The Greenway connects to another East Franklin park, Lineberger Park. A favorite place for family picnics, this park consists of 18.5 acres of open lawn space and trees. It also features a public pool, restrooms and shelters. Since these are all multi-use areas, dogs must be leashed and don’t forget the poop bags!

Ranlo

In the neighborhood of Ranlo, you’re pup will be excited to visit the George Poston Dog Park. Tails wag and locals rave about this massive off-leash dog area. With two separate fenced in sections, every pup can find its place. It has a 1 acre run for small dogs that weigh 25 pounds or less, and a 4.5 acre area for larger dogs. It’s a great place to socialize with other pups and their two-legged friends. On a hot day, there is plenty of shade and water buckets to go around. Waste bags are available, but don’t forget a ball to throw!

Chapel Grove School Rd/ Boyd Rd

If you and your dog are up for a challenge, Tower and Backside Trail is popular among the more athletic pups. It’s located on the north end of Crowders Mountain State Park in Gastonia. This 3 mile hike that may take about 2 hours to complete with your furry friend. The trail starts on an old roadbed with a gentle climb, and ends with 336 wooden stairs. The trek is worth it

though, and the 1625 foot summit offers a paw-rific view of the Charlotte skyline. You’ll need to keep your dog leashed, and get there early, because the parking lot is small.

Mountain View

If you find yourself in the Mountain View neighborhood in the nearby town of Kings Mountain, you’ll have a fur-tastic way to spend some time. Your pup will be delighted to find the Crowders Lake Trail. If you and your pup need a relaxing break from the city, this might be the perfect trail for you. Being one of the easiest trail options in Crowders Mountain State Park, it welcomes all levels of hikers and dogs as long as they’re leashed. This laid-back, 1 mile hike is not short on views. It takes approximately 20 minutes, and circles a picturesque lake often populated with ducks. Don’t forget your doggy life-jacket, because this location also offers canoe rentals.

Moores Chapel

You and your pup won’t run out of things to do at the U.S National Whitewater Center in Moores Chapel. Located along the Catawba River in Charlotte, it’s just 20 minutes outside of Gastonia. This outdoor center is worth the trip to visit its 400 acres of scenic woodlands that’s run by a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle that you and your dog can both enjoy. Take your leashed dog on the hiking trails, and if you need to cool your paws, strap on the life jacket and take out a kayak. When you need a treat, you both can relax at the River’s Edge Bar and Grill. Dogs are welcome, but not on the upper deck of the restaurant. Whether you and your buddy are here to play or to relax, The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a fur-tastic place to be!