George Poston Trail

​During the winter months, most of the local trails are closed for extended periods of time due to wet conditions.  The George Poston Trail at Spencer Mountain is one exception to this rule.  Due to its rocky terrain, the trail drains well and never closes due to wet conditions.  Located in Gastonia, George Poston Park is home to one of the oldest trails in the Charlotte metro area.  The seven miles of trails would be considered intermediate or difficult for most.  Although the first two miles are pretty tame, the Poston Trail gets progressively harder as you approach the Spencer Mountain Loop.  Throughout the trail, you encounter everything from rolling smooth sections to rocky, rooty uphill sections.  It is the kind of trail that you might find yourself hiking on the more difficult areas.  As you wind your way up Spencer Mountain, you are rewarded with a full view of the Charlotte skyline at the half way point.  As you start back down Spencer Mountain, there are a number of extended fast, open downhill sections.  The Poston Trail may be a little bit on the tougher side, but the rewarding views make it worth the effort.
The Poston Trails are one of the less traveled trails in the area and it is located only fifteen minutes from the Whitewater Center.  So when the WWC’s trails are closed, we recommend that you mix it up and check out the George Poston Trail.  A job well done by the city Gastonia on this gem.  Within the past year they have extended the parking lot and improved the trail markers.

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