Midland

Outdoor Activities

Midland boasts a wealth of outdoor fun thanks to its prime location along the sparkling waters of the Rocky River Blueway. Perfect for long-distance flat-water kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding, the blueway begins at Pharr Family Preserve Trail, meanders down to Midland’s Riverbend Farm Trail, and continues for about 49 miles. Along with these connecting trail segments, the Rocky River Blueway is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a regional network that offers hiking trails, bike paths and places to observe natural wildlife. So, if you prefer land over water, there’s plenty of terrain to cover. At nearby Rob Wallace Park, you’ll find 143-acres to roam complete with a boardwalk, fishing pond, biking trails, a playground and picnic areas.

Reed Gold Mine

The first documented discovery of gold in the United States happened right here in Cabarrus County. In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek. The Reed family used it as a doorstop for years before Conrad’s father sold it for $3.50 to a jeweler in Fayetteville. The discovery and sale marked the start of the nation’s first gold rush, and North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, just before California’s gold rush.

These days, Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site is the only underground gold mine in North Carolina open to the public. Guided tours give guests the opportunity to explore restored portions of underground tunnels and view exhibits of gold and historic mining equipment. From April through October, you can try your luck panning for gold at three different troughs at the site.

Rocky River Vineyards

Enjoy a glass of “liquid gold” from Rocky River Vineyards. The 45-acre family-owned and -operated vineyard and winery offers a variety of award-winning sweet Muscadine wines, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel and Niagara wines including “White Gold,” named in honor of the neighboring gold mine. Relax on the patio overlooking the Muscadine vines and enjoy a wine tasting, flight or wine slushy along with a charcuterie plate. Throughout the year, the vineyard also hosts festivals, live music, craft vendors, grape stomping events and food trucks.