Endless Outdoor Sporting Events in Gaston County, NC

Named after Supreme Court justice William Gaston, Gaston County emerged onto the scene with three cotton mills in the Antebellum South after early settlers first populated the area in the years before the Revolutionary War. Located mainly in the drainage basin of the Catawba River, the county features a number of geographical features in common with the rest of the region, where its abundance of river lands, gentle hills, creek valleys and isolated mountain ridges have made this an ideal destination for those who love the great outdoors.

While its natural features are certainly a draw for outdoor water and adventure sports, there’s always a game of some kind when you’re coming to the region, which has an established pedigree for hosting tournaments. Downtown Belmont, located on the east side of the county, will host the Santa Hustle North Carolina Half Marathon & 5K in December of 2019, while Harper Park to the north in Stanley hosted the NC Dixie Majors State Baseball Tournament in July. If you’re in town for an event, consider a stay at any of Gaston County’s fine lodging accommodations, including the Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hampton by Hilton.

Things to do in Gaston

The twin peaks of Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain provide challenging hikes, towering cliffs and stunning views of the surrounding landscape at Crowders Mountain State Park. The Park features 11 trails with various levels of intensity. A nine acre lake affords opportunities for canoeing and fishing, while backcountry camping is available at sites approximately one mile from parking areas.

Located in Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a haven for those who love outdoor adventure sports. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking are all available at the Center along the Catawba River. The Center also serves as an official Olympic Training Center for whitewater slalom racing.

Spread across 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features luscious gardens, vibrant fountains, a conservatory dedicated to displaying tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion, gift shop and nature walk.

Walk with dinosaurs through the Mesozoic Era, explore weird and unusual plants, animals and horror creations like vampires or zombies, or play with more than 1,000 building blocks, all at the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.

Challenging exhibits and engaging public performances are the norm at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History, where the region’s history is on display through a diverse collection of materials.