Calling all mountain bikers! George Poston Park is the place to come. 
 

Located east of Charlotte in Gastonia, George Poston Park has mountain biking, a pump track, trails, a lake and ADA paved walkway to the lake. There are playgrounds, sports fields, a horseshoe complex, a dog park, and picnic shelters. Mostly known for the mountain bike trails, George Poston Park has ten miles of scenic hilly terrain with lush vegetation, fern banks, wildlife and rare big leaf magnolias. The trails are at the base of Spencer Mountain, a 1250 outer lying monadnock of the Appalachian Mountains. The trails have a little something for everyone from beginners or advanced riders. There is a kids loop near the pump track too. The trails can be used by both mountain bikers and hikers. The half-mile paved pump track is another favorite amongst the bike riders. The pump track can also be used by skaters, longboards, roller blades, scooters, and BMX bikes. The track can hold up to 20-30 people. The weekends on this track can get crowded so beware especially for your new riders in the family. The pump track has mature trees around the track area but it's pretty open to the sun. It can get warm during the summer months. Be sure to bring plenty of water and cool off in the shade when it gets too warm. There are bike tools and an air pump near the pathway leading down to the lake. This is great if you forgot the tools and need to adjust your bike. 

There are two playgrounds at George Poston Park. A small playground with swings and some climbing equipment can be found near the pump track, and the other larger playground is by the sports fields. The larger playground has two play structures for older and younger children with slides, climbing, music play, and a separate rock climbing wall. Both playgrounds have mulch as the base. The public restrooms can be found near the sports fields. If you are into geocaching, this park also has five caches hidden throughout the park. The ADA paved pathway is near the pump track side of the park. This pathway takes you down near the lake and fishing pier. The dock is universally accessible and the Wildlife Resource Commission helped stock the 11-acre lake. Near the lake and fishing pier is a sand volleyball court and 

This park is loads of fun and a great way to spend some time outdoors with the family.