Riverside Park and Greenway

Cramerton, NC is one of the best nearby outdoor recreation destinations you’ve probably never heard of. Adjacent to its better-known sister small town, Belmont, Cramerton boasts a number of natural amenities well worth the short, 25-minute drive west of uptown.

I’ve written before about Goat Island and the River Link Greenway, two lovely options for an outing.

Recently, we discovered a third: Riverside Greenway, a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. As the name suggests, this trail winds along the banks of the South Fork River and includes a water access point for canoes and kayaks.

Parking at Riverside Park, you’ll find a spacious fishing dock and river overlook. Taking a left from the lot (facing the river), you can follow a wide, paved greenway for 0.8 miles (one way) with a lollipop loop turnaround point at the impressive the Southern Railroad overpass. This makes for a pleasant stroll – or bike, skate or scooter ride.

Note: This is a low-lying area and ranges from damp to swampy after heavy rain.

Taking a right from the parking lot will lead you into downtown Cramerton, an easy half-mile walk that connects to the Goat Island Greenway and River Link Greenway, both short, accessible trails that make for a nice extension to your excursion.

How to get there:
Riverside Park and Greenway are located at 75 Riverside Dr., Cramerton, NC 28032. Take a left (facing the river) to follow the Riverside Greenway. Take a right to head into Cramerton and connect to Goat Island and the River Link Greenway.