After working 9 to 5 every day in Charlotte, all I want on the weekends is to soak up a little bit of nature, but when I think of having to drive 2.5 hours to Asheville for it, I end up in front of my television in bed.
When I told my co-worker Allen this, he said, "Why not head over to The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail? It’s only about 30 minutes away, has some great views and they did a great job making it friendly to hikers and non-hiker alike." Intrigued by stories of scenic beauty and one-of-a-kind trail design, I found myself lacing up my hiking boots, ready to embark on a day trip to see what the hype was all about.
The Gateway Trail, aptly named for connecting people with the great outdoors, it has 4 trails of different lengths and difficulties. These trails are a manageable walking distance and there’s gravel, paved and all-terrain trails for anyone who is looking for something specific.
First and foremost, you have the 0.7 mile Rail Trail Loop, built on an old rail bed, it’s a flat gravel trail that leads you through a tunnel of trees as you follow the path. The trail itself is a large loop that has great views of the quarry, is fairly easy in difficulty and connects to the other 3 trails in case you decide to extend your exploration.
Second, you have the 0.8 mile Plateau Loop, known for its stunning butterfly garden. This trail is moderate in difficulty and paved on an incline. The Plateau Loop circles at the top of the hill that encompasses the butterfly garden. You can explore the garden by following the flat gravel footpath that goes through it and reconnects back to the paved trail.
Third, is the longest trail at 4.5 miles, aptly named the Foote Trail. This trail is meant for anyone who loves a variety of terrains, ranging from flat to strenuous. If you’re an avid hiker, or just are looking to get in your steps for the day, this trail is for you. You’ll end up crossing Highway I-85 over a bridge that boasts some incredible views, and from there the trail levels out.
Last, but definitely not least, is the 0.4 mile Cardio Hill Trail, which is the one I decided on. I wanted the best of both worlds; a trail that would offer me a nice walk but that wouldn’t exhaust me, but that would also offer me some stellar views. The trail is moderate to strenuous once you reach the hill where it winds itself upward, but the crowning jewel of this trail is the panoramic vista of the city below, your reward for taking it on.
As a first-time visitor, I couldn’t help but marvel at the careful planning evident in the trail’s design and the consideration for visitors. There’s a variety of amenities such as trailside benches, the manicured butterfly garden, clean restrooms, abundant water fountains and most of the trails are handicap friendly. The 10 ft. wide trails offer enough space for a group to hike together or for cyclists to enjoy.
As I walked through the canopy of trees, up the winding trail, I spoke to several locals who use The Gateway Trail as a place to take it all in. Amy and her sister Ellie use the trail as a time for sisterly bonding. Jacob and his 8-year-old son, Henry, pretend they’re pirates searching for the long-lost treasure of the "King" who claimed Kings Mountain as his own. Melissa just recently retired and is trying to stay active so she can visit her daughter and son-in-law in Europe in Spring. All these stories are connected by one thing: The Gateway Trail. It’s not just a physical journey, but a personal one too. I couldn’t help but think about my own reasons for coming here, wanting to have some time to appreciate nature.
As I reached the top of the hill, it all came into focus as I looked down on Kings Mountain. The trail provided a respite–a gateway to a world where everyday worries faded into the background. It was a reminder that sometimes the most profound adventures are the ones that are only a short drive away.