A Scenic Kings Mountain Loop: Cardio Hill, Rail Trail & Plateau Loop with Simba!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another pawsome trail adventure from the road.

This time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving sidekick) and I hit the Cardio Hill, Rail Trail, and Plateau Loop in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — a fun combo of heart-pumping climbs, peaceful strolls, and shady forest paths that made for a perfect afternoon hike.

🗺️ The Kings Mountain Loop

This ~3-mile loop is part of the Kings Mountain trail system and offers a great mix of terrain:

💪 Cardio Hill — a solid incline to get your heart rate up (and give Simba a little extra workout!).
🚶 Rail Trail — a gentle, flat stretch where you can catch your breath and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
🌲 Plateau Loop — a forested, shady path that feels calm and secluded, wrapping up the loop with a sense of quiet connection to nature.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through in your RV, this loop is a scenic, moderately challenging hike that’s totally dog-friendly. Simba had a blast!

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba enjoyed exploring the trails, sniffing every corner, and meeting a few friendly hikers along the way.
✔️ Good balance of challenge + chill — the incline gave him a little extra cardio, but the shady Plateau Loop was a perfect cool-down.
✔️ Plenty of nature — birds, squirrels, and all kinds of interesting smells (according to Simba!).
✔️ Bring water — especially after Cardio Hill; both you and your pup will be thirsty.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

Kings Mountain makes a great day trip for RV travelers, though the park doesn’t offer RV camping on-site. Luckily, there are several RV parks and campgrounds nearby, making it easy to set up your home base and spend a day (or two!) exploring the trails.

🎥 Watch Our Full Adventure


Check out our latest video where Simba and I take you along the Cardio Hill, Rail Trail, and Plateau Loop — sharing the sights, the workout, and tips for hiking with your dog.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV life, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures.

📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend This Loop

✔️ Challenging but fun — a nice cardio kick without being overwhelming.
✔️ Dog-approved — Simba gives it four paws up!
✔️ Beautiful scenery — from open stretches to forested paths.
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers + locals looking for a rewarding half-day hike.

Thanks for following along on another adventure! Simba and I are crisscrossing the country in our RV, searching for the best trails, campgrounds, and dog-friendly spots. Got a favorite loop or hike you think we should check out? Drop a comment and let us know!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾🌿🚐
Location: Kings Mountain, NC, USA

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