Catawba River Greenway:
North Carolina
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Description:
The Catawba River Greenway traverses the historic town of Morganton, North Carolina, along the beautiful banks of the Catawba River. The trail is located only eight-tenths of a mile from the center of downtown. This 10-foot wide, multi-use paved trail is fully handicap accessible and contains many amenities for the outdoor enthusiast. There are numerous fishing piers, canoe launchs, observation areas, picnic facilities and recreation spots to keep your trail experience fresh. Beautiful wildflowers and vegetation abound.

The Catawba River Greenway winds through dense wooded areas, open meadows and through a quaint commercial village. Numerous restaurants, coffee shops and stores can be enjoyed along the trail.

Bike rentals are available through Cycle Logical at 828-433-7855.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Access areas include:

*Greenlee Ford (near US 70 W)
*River Village (NC 181)
*Catawba Meadows (Sanford Drive)
*Rocky Ford (US 64/NC 18)
*Freedom Park (NC 126)
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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail is open everyday from sun-up to sun-down. There are no seasonal restrictions.
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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Great trail!
By jaybird on August 17, 2010
We rode the Catawba River Greenway for the first time Saturday (8/14/10) as we made our trip from Columbia, SC to Asheville, NC. We found ample parking at the Rocky Ford access area. The trail was very pleasant w/ nice trailside amenities such as kiosks, benches, bridges & decks overlooking the river. While the majority of the trail is flat, there were a couple of rollers which managed to slow my son (age 8) down a little from his usual fast tempo, lol! While we did not stop & eat, we found a couple of trailside restaurants that we may check out the next time we make our way to Morganton. There were plenty of nice views of the river & quite a few nice greenspaces/parks along the trail. We even spotted a disc golf course & there was a host of athletic fields at the opposite end of the trail from which we started. We would most definitely recommend this trail for those who are looking for a leisurely stroll w/ the family or a nice bike ride or jog!
Catawba River Greenway Trail
By lkayhawks on November 07, 2009
We had so much fun today. We rode our bikes about 4.6 miles. I would recommend this trail to anyone that is looking for a nice relaxing ride. The trail runs right along the river. I can’t wait until our next bike trip.
September Ride
By mickeral on September 06, 2009
We really enjoyed a leisurely "comfort bike" ride on this trail. Our first time on the Greenway, we had ridden past it many times, and even strolled on the "boardwalk" years ago afte a great meal at the restaurant located on the greenway.
Parking at the "trailhead" at the US 64 entrance just before the four lane road crosses the Catawba River, we were so glad that we had driven the 50+ miles from our home to get here.
Despite a "packed" schedule for us the remainder of this month and in early October, we plan to find time to ride the greenway again soon and enjoy the fall foliage, the wildlife, the turtles basking on the sandbars of the river, and a stop at "Judges Restaurant" for their great buffet dinner before we leave.

We understand that "serious" riders would never dare to use a "comfort bike" or stop at an all-you-can-eat buffet -- but who said we were "serious riders"? We are serious about this being a great place to enjoy, relax, and "semi-serious" ride.
Don't have a bike?? -- Lots of walkers also, some were even holding hands!!
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