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Catawba River loop from Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve
75.1km
03:23
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Alexis, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it, and that's exactly why we've put together this guide. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so you can trust this curated shortlist to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the best rides.
Road cycling around Alexis is all about the rolling terrain of Gaston County and the beautiful Catawba River. You'll find a great mix of rural roads, offering everything from gentle inclines to moderate climbs, all set against a backdrop of woodlands and open fields typical of the Piedmont region. While there aren't any huge mountains, the varied landscape provides options for all ability levels, from easy spins to more demanding routes.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Catawba River loop from Long Creek Greenway. At 46.7 miles (75.1 km), it offers fantastic views along the river and is a perfect introduction to the area's character. For those looking for a bigger challenge, the Catawba River loop from Belmont is a difficult 71.6 miles (115.2 km) route that truly explores the varied terrain. With more than 100 road cyclists already exploring Alexis with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and find your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catawba River loop from Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve | 75.1 km | 600 m | Moderate |
| Roadbike loop from Belmont | 67.2 km | 580 m | Moderate |
| Catawba River loop from Belmont | 115 km | 1,100 m | Hard |
| Midtown Park – Catawba River loop from East/West Boulevard | 121 km | 980 m | Hard |
| Roadbike loop from Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport | 27.9 km | 260 m | Easy |
| Roadbike loop from Belmont | 66.4 km | 560 m | Moderate |
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75.1km
03:23
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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67.2km
03:10
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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115km
05:48
1,100m
1,100m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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121km
05:29
980m
980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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27.9km
01:27
260m
260m
This easy road bike loop starting from the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport offers a pleasant 17.3-mile (27.9 km) ride, ideal for a casual outing. You'll navigate paved public roads, experiencing a mix of suburban scenery, tree-lined sections, and views of local parks, with a gentle 855 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Parking is conveniently located at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport, making for an easy start and finish. As the route uses public roads, always be mindful of traffic and road conditions, especially at intersections. This loop is best enjoyed during temperate weather, avoiding the peak heat of summer or the chill of winter.
While this specific loop doesn't venture onto dedicated trails, it's part of the broader Lincoln County cycling landscape, which includes options like the NC 8 – Southern Highlands bicycle route. The region is known for its diverse terrain, from flat stretches to rolling hills, and offers potential views of natural areas such as floodplain forests and bald cypress swamps on other nearby routes.
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66.4km
03:08
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Midtown Park is a one-acre minipark that opened in 2012. The park consists of a rectangular lawn surrounded by stonework and shade trees, along with unique sculptures, including the Braille Music Box by Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway borders the park's western edge and is connected by a formal stairway, making it a popular spot for walking, biking, and running. Park amenities include drinking fountains and dog waste stations. Visitors can enjoy nearby dining options, the park's sculptures, water features, and proximity to hotels, museums, and restaurants make it a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination.
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The Catawba River flows for 220 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The river eventually flows into the Lake Wateree reservoir, and when it emerges again from the outlet it becomes known as the Wateree River.
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Scalybark Rd. has bike lanes that take you in the direction of Little Sugar Creek Greenway
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The Rocky Branch Trail is a 1.25 mile trail that connects the towns of Belmont and Cramerton, North Carolina and is for primarily mountain bikers and hikers. Several single-track mountain bike trails extend off of this pleasant, shaded trail, so be aware and share the trails.
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Midtown park is a one acre park with an open, green lawn and several sculptures. The most famous of these is the "Braille Music Box" by Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen. This seven foot in diameter metal sphere has a mechanism that translates Braille letters into musical notes. Sight-impaired visitors can move the music box inside the sculpture to hear unique music.
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There are over 10 road cycling routes around Alexis, North Carolina, curated by the komoot community. These routes offer a variety of experiences, including 1 easy, 10 moderate, and 2 difficult options.
Road cycling around Alexis features the rolling terrain of Gaston County, with a mix of rural roads, gentle inclines, and descents. Many routes follow the Catawba River, offering scenic views through woodlands and open fields typical of the Piedmont region.
Yes, Alexis offers challenging routes for experienced cyclists. For instance, the Catawba River loop from Belmont is a difficult 115.2 km (71.6 miles) ride with significant elevation gain, often taking nearly 6 hours to complete. Another difficult option is the Alexander Street Park – Cordelia Park loop from Brooklyn Village, spanning 134.3 km (83.5 miles).
While most routes are moderate, there is at least one easy road cycling route available around Alexis. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them suitable for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.
Yes, several long-distance road cycling routes are available. The Catawba River loop from Belmont covers 115.2 km (71.6 miles), and the Alexander Street Park – Cordelia Park loop from Brooklyn Village is even longer at 134.3 km (83.5 miles), providing ample mileage for endurance riders.
Given the Piedmont region's climate, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Alexis, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter rides are possible but may require appropriate gear for cooler temperatures.
Many of the road cycling routes around Alexis are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Catawba River loop from Long Creek Greenway and the Catawba River loop from Mount Holly.
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Alexis, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views along the Catawba River, and the mix of rural roads that offer diverse challenges.
While specific landmarks are not detailed, many routes offer scenic views, particularly those that follow the Catawba River. The landscape is characterized by woodlands and open fields, providing a pleasant backdrop for rides through the Piedmont region.
Many road cycling routes in the Alexis area, especially those starting from greenways or parks like the Long Creek Greenway, typically offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point details of your chosen route for specific parking information.
Public transport options directly to specific road cycling trailheads in the rural areas around Alexis may be limited. Most cyclists typically drive to a starting point with parking, such as a local park or greenway access point.
While specific cafes are not listed for every route, many routes pass through or near towns like Mount Holly and Belmont, where you can find local establishments for refreshments. Planning your route with potential stops in mind is recommended.
Some of the easier and shorter road cycling routes around Alexis could be suitable for families, especially those with older children comfortable with road cycling. However, many routes involve moderate to difficult terrain and distances, so it's important to choose a route that matches the family's experience level.


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