Three local adventures on the Thread Trail
Here are several under-the-radar outdoor walking itineraries for a variety of moods and occasions, all within about an hour or less of Charlotte. Of course, check ahead to make sure there are no closures or special hours.
Gold Hill, NC
This tiny preserved mining village was once the richest mining town east of the Mississippi. In the 1850s Charlotte’s mayor declared that “Charlotte will one day be as big and prosperous as Gold Hill.”
Park in the gravel lot across from E.H. Montgomery General Store. You’ll see the entire preserved village here, which is a great place to browse for antiques, pottery, and more. Shopping hours vary, and shops may be closed on some weekdays, so check ahead. Gold Hill is well known for the Montgomery General Store Bluegrass Jam. It is held every Friday evening year-round, from 7-9:00p.m.
Then walk the Gold Hill Rail Trail, which starts near your parking in the Gold Hill Mines Historic Park. This trail uses the path of a narrow gauge railroad spur line from the 1880s. Along the way you will see the vestiges of the town’s former glory: mine shafts, an old stone jail, and the foundation of the old stamp mill. Most of the historic attractions are in and around the park.
Bring a picnic: there are lots of shady spots around the village and in the park to enjoy your meal. Or visit Flynn’s Village Grill, a family-run gem with house-made burgers and more.
Quick Facts:
- Parking: 730 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill, NC
- Trail is 2.2 miles one way, natural surface trail.
- Pets on leash OK
Catawba County, NC
Step back into North Carolina’s farming past in the Murray’s Mill Historic District of eastern Catawba County. Ten minutes off I-40, your first stop is Murray’s Mill and the Murray & Minges General Store. The staff in the store are a wealth of local knowledge, and you can pick up some old-fashioned candy, local honey, and more. Kids will love seeing the giant water wheel, and everyone will enjoy an easy walk through the woods by the lake. Note that most of the historic buildings are currently closed, though the grounds are open during daylight hours.
From here the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is only a few minutes’ drive on your way back to I-40, and well worth a look. This National Civil Engineering Landmark has Civil War and even Revolutionary War connections.
You can wind down your adventure at this point, but if you’re up for more adventure, head west on I-40 towards Bakers Mountain Park . Bakers Mountain is a 189-acre county park that gets you to the highest elevation in Catawba County (1780 feet). Six miles of trails wind through mature Chestnut Oak forest, with several beautiful lookout points. The trail to the highest point is a little over one mile.
On your way home, don’t miss a stop at Udderly Delicious for homemade ice cream. There are several locations in Hickory and Conover with truly some of the best ice cream you will ever eat. Flavors rotate, but recent favorite flavors are bourbon pecan, cookie monster, and salted caramel.
Quick Facts:
- Murray’s Mill parking: 1489 Murray’s Mill Road, Catawba NC 28609
- Bunker Hill Parking: 4180 E US Highway 70, Claremont, North Carolina 28610
- Bakers Mountain Park: 6680 Bakers Mountain Road, Hickory, NC 28602
Waxhaw, NC
Fuel up for your day at either Virtuoso or Crossroads Coffee House. Crossroads is the Waxhaw original, with creative and delicious coffee drinks in an old log cabin. Virtuoso has been named a Best of the Best by Charlotte Magazine for their homemade sourdough. The bakery case has lots of other tasty and beautiful goodies, as well as Enderly coffee.
The big draw for this adventure is the 170-foot suspension bridge spanning Twelve Mile Creek and marking the NC/SC border. Your walk is about 1.4 miles from the park to the bridge, mostly on pavement and all of it pretty easy terrain. If that’s not enough for you, the greenway continues another 3.5 miles in South Carolina, terminating at Walnut Creek Park in Lancaster. Park at H.C. Nesbit Park in Waxhaw (1304 H.C. Nesbit Park Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173). Parking is also available at Kensington Elementary School.
Reward yourself after your hike with a treat from the Waxhaw Creamery. They have great homemade ice cream and Italian ices. Or grab a brew at one of several breweries in the charming downtown.
Twelve Mile Creek Trail-Waxhaw
We’ll see you out on the trail!