South Fork Rail Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

The Southside Road bridge, over the South Fork River, is being replaced. Access across Southside Road is currently blocked due to the construction. For this reason, the trail south of Southside Road is currently closed. The map has been updated to reflect the closure.

The South Fork Rail Trail is a 2-mile trail on the Rhyne Preserve that runs along the eastern banks of the South Fork of the Catawba River. The land surrounding the trail is protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy, and the natural surface and crushed gravel trail is perfect for hiking, running and mountain biking.

Visitors to the trail can experience one of Lincoln County's finest natural areas, including mature floodplain forests along the South Fork Catawba River, a bald cypress swamp, rock outcrops, and lovely wildflowers. The preserve also provides important habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife species.

You can see the historic Laboratory Mill across the South Fork River which is now an event venue. This site was known as Lincolnton Cotton Factory 1819-1863.

Parking is available at 2677 Laboratory Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092.