George Poston Park
1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056
About
George Poston park is unique to the area for its concrete pump track, punchy downhills, free-ride lines (if you can find them), and the fact that it doesn't close when it rains. Working your way up to Spencer Mountain on one of the several loops requires a ton of climbing fitness but you are rewarded with fast, flowy, hand-cut singletrack and challenging jumps.
Trails
Before You Ride
The below are a selection of our favorite trails. More trails are likely available and can be found on the trail map.
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Lake Loop
The foundation of the park's stacked loop system. It is a scenic, beginner-friendly green trail that winds around the park's lake. You get smooth dirt, minimal elevation change, and a few narrow wooden bridges to test your balance before heading deeper into the woods.
Laurel Hill Loop
Stepping up the difficulty, this intermediate loop introduces the park’s signature rocky terrain. It features a solid mix of punchy climbs, rooty sections, and quick downhill stretches. The trail cuts through thick mountain laurel and includes a bridged creek crossing near a small waterfall.
Big Leaf Loop
Named after the rare magnolias found in the area, this loop acts as a transition trail as you continue up the mountain. Expect tight singletrack, frequent up-and-down elevation changes, and multiple creek crossings. It demands consistent pedaling to maintain your momentum over the roots.
Soccer Loop
A relatively relaxed, beginner-friendly trail that provides a nice break in the action. It features smooth dirt and mild elevation changes, making it the perfect recovery loop to catch your breath before you tackle the demanding climb up Spencer Mountain.
Spencer Mountain Loop
The hardest trail in the park. This black-diamond loop makes you earn your turns with a steep climb. The reward is a fast, aggressive descent boasting big ledge drops, large gap jumps, and raw, off-camber lines designed specifically for expert riders.
Kids Trail
Located near the main parking lot, this flat, low-mileage loop was built specifically for young riders and absolute beginners.
Pump Track
The park's asphalt pump track is a perfect, zero-stress zone to build foundational bike handling skills before hitting the main trail system.