First Broad River TrailFirst Broad River Trail is currently closed to the public for trail maintenance. Please check back and enjoy the improved trail once work is done.

Founders Trail

The Founders Trail is a beautiful natural surface trail along the Catawba River with a sidewalk connection to the Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail and River Park.
Trail Uses
Walking / hiking / running Mountain biking
Locations
Fort Mill (SC), Rock Hill (SC)
Length
2.30 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Surface
Gravel/Crushed stone, Natural surface, Boardwalk, Sidewalk, Pavement
Motorized Vehicles
Not Permitted
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Parking Spaces
15
Restrooms
No
Hours
Dawn to Dusk

Description

The Founders Trail is a 2.3-mile mostly natural surface trail that provides connectivity between the Piedmont Medical Center Trail (Riverwalk) and Masons Bend Trail, all while following a beautiful stretch of the free flowing Catawba River.

From the North, users can utilize the trail parking at end of Weir Court in the Masons Bend development.  Following the trail south, the trail runs along the River and provides a series of bridges and boardwalks. Additionally, benches are provided to allow trail users to take a break and view the river.  There is also an overlook at the north end of the trail affording opportunities to be inspired by the view of the Catawba.  If you head north on the Founders Trail it will connect directly into the Masons Bend Trail allowing the user to travel an additional one and quarter miles along the river.  (See Masons Bend Trail information)

At the south end, trail users can utilize the trailhead of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail and follow it north to Route 21, from there, the Founders Trail begins as a sidewalk along the Route 21 Bridge over the Catawba River.  The sidewalk section runs for approximately 2000’ and transitions by making a “U-turn” to the right just after the guardrails and follows the old road back and travels underneath the Route 21 Bridge.

Trail Manager

Visit the Nation Ford Land Trust for more information or contact:

Nation Ford Land Trust
242 Dairy Barn Lane
Fort Mill, SC 29716

803-547-8140
View website

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Trail Tips

Beat the Heat
Wear lightweight, breathable clothes and consider exercising in the morning or evening, when it is cooler. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity.
Legend
Hide All
View Connector Trails
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Norman Section
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Wylie Dam to Landsford Canal State Park
Catawba River Blueway - Lake Wylie Section
Catawba River Blueway - Mountain Island Lake Section
Masons Bend Trail
River Trail
Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail
Waterford Trail
Wetland Trail

Trailhead Information

North Parking Address and Trailhead - End of Weir Court, Fort Mill, SC 29708 MAP

South Parking Address and Trailhead - Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead - 575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 MAP

 

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