Reaching the Summit: The Trek for Trails on Spencer Mountain
Spencer Mountain is the third-highest peak and one of the most recognizable geologic features in Gaston County. Despite this, the public has never had access to the summit. That will soon change with a new segment of Carolina Thread Trail.
Three miles of trails are planned and designed, including an easy loop trail around the base of the mountain and a switchback trail up the western face to the summit at 1,250 feet. The reward for adventurers who reach the summit? Incredible views from a scenic overlook park, where Charlotte’s skyline is visible on clear days, as in the photo above.
This landmark project is moving forward because of the generosity of WBTV and Gray Media, Inc., who own the property and partnered with Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail to allow access.
“This project has been years in the making, and we are happy that families and hiking enthusiasts of all levels will now have safe access to hiking trails in this beautiful part of North Carolina,” says Michelle Robinson Harper, VP and General Manager of WBTV.
A Jewel in the Crown
Spencer Mountain will be the northern terminus and a crowning achievement of the 23-mile Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor trail, which will mostly be adjacent to the South Fork River. Once complete, trail users will be able to travel from the top of Spencer Mountain all the way to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, with stops along the way at iconic parks and picturesque downtowns like McAdenville and Cramerton. This will be a regional attraction, drawing visitors from near and far for day trips and weekend-long adventures.
“We are excited to bring yet another great outdoor experience to Gaston County with Spencer Mountain coming online. Thanks to the Carolina Thread Trail and WBTV for helping us add to what is already a $336 million annual visitor economy,” said Michael Applegate, Director of Gaston County Tourism Development.
The corridor also travels alongside the Conservancy’s Spencer Mountain Conservation Area, more than 730 acres of conserved land along and near the South Fork River that includes some of the Conservancy’s most beautiful protected properties. Some of these properties boast unique plant species, like the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower and rare bigleaf magnolia. Visitors will be able to choose how they want to experience these special places – whether that is hiking to the summit of Spencer Mountain to enjoy views from above, paddling the scenic South Fork River through the Spencer Mountain Conservation Area, or hiking or biking the Conservancy’s public preserves like Pharr Yarns or Seven Oaks.
Latest Progress
Since finalizing a trail easement in early 2024, the Thread Trail team has pushed forward on the Spencer Mountain trail project. With the trail plan complete, design work is now underway on the structures that will create an experience for users, including overlooks, kiosks and bridges. A public fundraising campaign has been launched to raise the estimated $1,500,000 needed for construction. Provided funding is secured, construction will begin by 2026.
Support this project with a donation, or subscribe to get progress updates sent straight to your inbox, when you visit carolinathreadtrail.org/mbsfrc.
Photos by Allison Hester.