Riverwalk Trail

First visit was yesterday with my dog. My visit was at 9am. Its not difficult to find and there is a lot of construction taking place. Not so much that it interrupts how quiet it is here. Parking is along side a street and there was ample room although I could see a potential problem during the summer. The main trail travels alongside a river and there are optional trails, medium and difficult, that branch off the main trail. The trail is listed as a mountain bike trail but I decided to use it as I am in search for trails that are not flat.
The trail is pretty easy to follow and there are small pink flags along the way for when weather gets bad and leaves cover the path. I saw a few deer. What I love about this trail is there was such a variety in scenery. From open fields, to small hills, to densely wooded. I only saw one other person on a bike during my visit on the medium trail but the main trail had quite a few people.
The whole trip is a little over 4miles but because I opted for using the medium trail my total run was close to 7miles. Once the trail starts I did have a feeling like I was lost. That’s the only thing I would probably like. More signs. They are still building quite a bit so I’m not changing my rating because I think with time that may change. The scenery itself is beautiful. The trail gave me just enough of a challenge being unpaved as well as a paved trail for when I needed a break. Excited to see whats in store for riverwalk and will be a new running regular, will only be taking the other trails with my dog. I felt safer with her especially in the areas that were further out. I didn’t see anyone patrolling the area for the hour and 40 mins I was there.

This place was very cool!
It’s a great walk for anyone! Even though we didn’t stay very long we really enjoyed being out on the trail! I agree with the previous reviews, bring your kids or pets to enjoy this awesome trail.
Totally awesome!

LOVE IT!
I have to hand it to Rock Hill; they did this right. The trail is lovely and very nicely done. It’s perfect for a walk, a run, or a bike ride. We love to get our Jack Russell Terrier out here on the weekends to try to wear him out!
One of the things I like best about the venue is that there is ALWAYS a park ranger patrolling the trail in case you have any problems. We went out the morning after a big storm and they had part of the trail closed because a big tree had fallen across — It was 8:00 am and they were already clearing it and taking care to warn everyone.
I would feel very safe as a single woman using this trail!
Thanks Rock Hill!

Riverwalk Trail is by far… the best thing happening to Rock Hill. The community that is being built will be about a natural sustainability with attention to the surrounding nature.
The trail itself is a little over two miles and will eventually become a larger part of the Carolina trail system. The trail is clean and cleared out with some nice views of the river. There is quite a bit of clean up in progress from all the storms that came through this summer… but it’s still a scenic hike.
The trail and area surrounding will be under construction for some years to come, but the potential is enormous. A small launch for canoes and kayaks is at the trail-​head. I would like to see this nicely structured and professional looking within the future. The entry way is your first meeting with the trail… and in my opinion… first impressions are lasting ones.
Bring the kids, walk the dog, bring the bike, or get your pedometer ready… the Riverwalk Trail is the beginning of a very nice change to Rock Hill.

The Catawba River is a very scenic long but narrow river, but there are very few points in the Charlotte region where the general public can view it or access it easily. The Riverwalk Trail opened along it about a year ago in the shadows of recently demolished factories. The plan is to build mixed-​used development on that land and connect it to the river. The city, planners, and developers have been smart about this project however. They have left most of the trees and wildlife along the river, and built a 2.25 mile paved trail. If you are coming from Charlotte on I-​77, get off at exit 83, turn left, go a half a mile, and then turn right on Hwy 21. (I would actually suggest the more scenic route of getting off at the Carowinds exit and coming down Hwy 21. Stop at the Peach Stand and/​or the Ann Springs Close Greenway). As soon as you cross the bridge over the Catawba from Fort Mill into Rock Hill, the entrance is on the left just past the Ponderosa bar.
The entrance area is still being constructed, so you’ll drive down a gravel road for a little bit before you get to the parking. On nice days, the parking lot is full, but there are plenty of places to park on the grass. There’s a small launch point for canoes and kayaks near the entrance. There are also some porta johns at the entrance (these are the only ones near the trail). The website says the trail is about 10 feet wide but it’s only about 6 or so. There are parts of it that are relatively steep. There are some openings where you can get right up to the river and catch some gorgeous views of the water and the wildlife, occasionally even a bald eagle if you get there early enough. There are also places to rest, so you can take a break and relax if needed. The trail does not form a loop, so once you get to the end you have to go 2.25 miles back. It would be nice if they would put another porta john at this end, but as for now the ones at the front are the only ones.
Cyclists are allowed on the trail but fishing is not allowed along the trail. It has the typical rules of a public park and the hours during the summer are 8 – 8 (8 to 6 in the winter). The Riverwalk Trail will hook up with the larger Carolina Thread Trail in a couple of years, but for now, it’s worth a drive from South Charlotte to check it out.