South Fork Rail Trail Trailhead — Attraction in North Carolina

My wife and I discovered a neat and easy trail yesterday less than half an hour from our home - the South Fork Rail Trail!

This Trailhead, a 1.8-mile (one way) natural surface and crushed gravel trail, is situated in the 324-acre Rhyne Preserve, a tract of land protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. It runs along the South Fork of the Catawba River and is relatively flat, making it a good option for an easy hike or even beginner mountain-biking outing. There's one street crossing where Southfork Rd. bridges the river, but the trail is otherwise protected and traffic-free.

The trailhead is located just across the river from the historic Laboratory Mill (formerly the Lincolnton Cotton Factory) which has a fascinating history of transformation from cotton mill, to medicine/ gunpowder factory for the Confederacy during the Civil War, to event venue. There was wedding going on the day we were there.

The day we were there it was cool and rainy so there weren't many people on the trail. But I'm sure it's a popular trail to walk in...

Very nice trail until you get to the aggressive, unattended dogs on top of the abandoned building on the private property adjacent to the trail. They have been there both times I’ve attempted to walk on this trail and both times barked aggressively and started making their way towards me when they saw me. Last time one of them showed up in front of me on the trail while the other was still barking at me from the top of the building. I about had a heart attack. I had to stand there until he left so I could make my way back. Thankfully he didn’t bite me but it was still a terrible experience. I don’t understand why these dogs are allowed to be left unattended so close to the trail where they could attack someone or their dog. They are not friendly dogs and they do come down to the trail where people are walking and there is nobody minding them. I do like the trail so I thought I’d give it a second chance but I wont...

The parking lot isn't very big but I haven't had trouble finding a spot yet. The trail is fairly wide and well maintained. Not paved but it's a pretty smooth trail without much if any elevation changes. Pretty easy trail for young families with small children or adults that might have trouble navigating rougher terrain. It also runs parallel with the river so there are some scenic views of the water, with one near the very start of the trail where you can see the old Confederate Laboratory on the other side of the river.

Please note that if you step off the trail near the water then you will have decline/inclines and trickier terrain of course. There is one trash can near the start of the trail and...