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Print Friendly MapThe Kingsport Greenbelt runs 8 miles along the Holston River and Reedy Creek through the city of Kingsport. It is touted as both a historic and fitness trail, passing by Civil War sites, historic homes, landmarks, and bridges and other sites of interest amid river and mountain scenery. Each of the four sections along the greenbelt offer unique things to see and do. While out on the trail, you may even spot some geese or other local fowl.
You can access the Kingsport Greenbelt trail from numerous places along its route. View the map for more information.
I went to the trail after having rain and before the trail was dry. Unfortunately, some sections had been flooded and, although there was no standing water, the mud on the trail was slick making it dangerous. This was around mile marker 3. Also, there is a section on the Cleek Road extension that looks like drainage is an ongoing problem. Some parts make me nervous in the downtown area. It looks like there is a homeless problem with deterrents on the park benches. The trail has the potential to be very nice, but not until some issues are dealt with.
Only got to do half the trail due to weather conditions, but what we saw was very scenic, wooded & well kept & clean.
Asphalt trail that runs along the river and through the city of Kingsport. Easy to navigate and ride with just a few places that interact with traffic. We generally see several folks on the trail so keep your head up and enjoy
I LOVE this trail!! It’s right next to my house and I am on it every day.(at least once a day) My family and I use this trail more than we use our vehicles!¿
Nicely maintained trail with beautiful views of the river. Nice shade/sun combination and so peaceful. Goes through/near a nice park with playground, a mini golf, and a skate park, so the whole family will live this one.
We parked at Stonebrook Pl, about the halfway point. Riding east takes you through scenic woods along Reedy Creek, ending at a small waterfall just before the trail goes up the hill to Exchange Place. Turning around and heading west to Rotherwood takes you through downtown, neighborhoods, and along the Holston River. While going through downtown, you are only 2 blocks from Pals. Stop and have a peanut butter chocolate milkshake. Then take a ride on the carousel next to Food City. About 15miles round trip, mostly shaded, flat, and paved. Be aware that the trail runs right along Reedy Creek, so if there was a heavy rain, the section east of Stonebrook will be under water for a day or two.
Parked at the “Kingsport Greenbelt Parking” area on Stonebrook Pl, close to the middle of the trail. A porta-potty is at the North end of the parking lot. We went East, alongside the Reddy Creek most of the time. Changes from urban to rural and back in short order, Good separation from most roads. Hilly toward the east end, pavement stops at the 0.4 mile marker. Went west for the rest of the trail. Trail under construction between Cherokee Village Drv and Branch St. Some signage for the trail, but Trailink map more helpful. Restrooms and parking up the stairs (36.551001, -82.596088) just west of Centennial Boat Yard Park. Western end of the trail on the South Fork of the Holston River. A very nice 18.5 mile ride, they did a good job on this trail, Don’t miss it if your in the area.
My husband and I both in our 60's did this ride and loved it. It's a well paved trail and easy. We took our time and stopped to take pictures and enjoyed being out on the bikes. We began at the Exchange and rode to the end, then we rode back to the oppisite end. Stayed only on paved trail.
A deer even crossed in front of us. We plan to do this again maybe I'm the fall.
Starting out in the parking lot close to the Preston Presbyterian Church, the trail starts out as gravel but within less than a mile is asphalt the rest of the way. It mostly follows the river with great views, a few overpasses, and even a covered shelter at one point. Great trail and far from boring !
I give it 3 stars as there is not a lot of challenge except for the slight incline near the eastern end of the trail that heads up to The Exchange Place!
The first mile near The Exchabge Place has some ruts in the gravel from wash-out. After that, the ride is pretty smooth asphalt. There are a few places where the signs are hard to follow though parking lots and side streets. Other wise, a good easy ride, moctly covered by tree canopy.
This is a very nice trail that travels by the river and through urban areas as well as wooded forest up Reedy creek. Like some others have stated, you have to navigate through some gravel parking lots and a couple of side streets around the seafood restaurant to link up with the other part of the trail.
We just biked this trail today and we loved it. It's great. As stated by another poster it can be a bit confusing at the riverfront restaurant but other than that it's great.
Nice trail that follows river most of the way. Easy to lose the trail at Riverfront Seafood Restaurant and later going through residential area. Keep eyes open for green signs.
I love the Kingsport Greenbelt Trail. From exchange place, all the way to the river forks, this is one beautiful ride. I live in Johnson City, Tennessee. and usually ride the trail three, sometimes four days a week. It is a very moderate trail that I would recommend to all riding levels.
My wife and I rode this trail yesterday, starting on the western end and we headed to the eastern end. It follows the river for most of the trail. When you come out of the park area, you have no direction as to where to go next, so we followed the road until we met up with another rider who directed us to the right and back onto the actual trail. If there was a sign, riders would know to turn right when coming out of the park to follow the trail in front of the restaurant which then puts you back onto the trail. Later, you have to cross over a street and follow the signs to get back onto the trail which is in a residential area. Aside from these two areas, the trail was easy to follow and had great views of the river as it goes east through this part of the city. A bit of news: the last mile or so of the trail is unpaved and goes uphill because it borders private property. It would be nicer if this section was paved, but the majority of the trail is easy, flat and great for biking, walkers and kids.
easy peddling almost the whole way. You can even stop for a lunch or ice cream as we did today on your path. Follows the creek bed the whole way!
Really a great urban biking trail, all asphalt. Mostly smooth but rough in places and bombarded by Geese. A good place to bike in the day, but gets crowded in the late evenings with joggers and walkers.
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