Explore the best rated trails in Asheville, NC. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Catawba River Greenway and Wilma Dykeman Greenway. With more than 15 trails covering 76 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I’ve walked this trail many times. It goes along side the Catawba River. Most of it is shady in the summer so that is nice. It is paved and almost totally flat. Part of it is close to a busy road so you can hear the traffic noise.
Nice paved trail that meanders alongside the river. Only slight grades up or down-otherwise near flat. On this Saturday there were more walkers, joggers and dog walkers than bikes. Not crowded but you would see people every few minutes along the ride. Will return.
Well paved and marked, decent length, not too many road crossings, and none over major roads, a decent portion more with natural surroundings like trees, and nothing really against it
I moved from Northern Virginia near the W&OD trail that recently won top trial in the nation for cycling so it's been tough to adapt. Although this trail maxes out at a 27-mile rile (unlike being able to do over a metric century on the W&OD) and being an hour drive to get from just west of Charlotte, it is an almost perfect rail trail for road bikes.
We parked at a park 2 miles from the northern end and went north to the end and then back south to Forest City and back north to the car. About 17 miles and 2 hours. Nice even pavement. Warm fall day. Perfect. Northern end more woodsy but interesting in the more populated areas and towns as well. Would defiantly do it again.
The trail is wide, paved and well maintained. There are a number of street crossings but most are small country roads. The scenery’s is beautiful. Enjoy!
Not a "destination" trail, but the perfect stop along the way. Take an hour or 2 only 1 mile off of I-40. Peaceful 4 mile ride (8 mi RT) alongside the River. Take a break, walk down to the river, and enjoy your lunch. Stop at Ingles at the Trailhead entrance either coming in or heading out and fill up your gas tank. Your other tanks will be filled as well...
Great ride. After the ride, Get a burger at Slims Bar and grill. Great local burger, staff and perfect country music. 114 North Powell Street, Forest City.
I’m from Illinois and this is my first ride since moving to NC. I cannot stand and climb like I used to do to an injury so was nervous as this state is very mountainous and hilly. This trail challenged but did not kill me. A lot of road crossings but most were very clear and hardly messed with flow. Everyone polite and shared the trail. A good ride and I’ll be back.
I absolutely enjoyed every mile of this trail on my blades. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. There were plenty of bikers and walkers out on a Monday morning 8-9am. As an in-line skater this trail is not for beginners if you’re not comfortable with stopping & navigating debris. I’m no pro myself so it was convenient to have grassy areas to walk in when I wasn’t comfortable to skate.
We love this trail - it is our “go-to” when we want to get a good ride and enjoy the area. The trail passes through a number of great towns that have wonderful places to stop and eat along the way. We typically park in Spindale, which is about the midpoint of the trail. There is plenty of free parking there and things to see after your ride.
Took my wife, daughter and granddaughter for an afternoon ride. It is a great place to teach a new cyclist the “Rules of the Trail”, learn the inner workings of how to gear up and down, as well as seeing a range of wildlife, from turtles to Deer (momma and baby).
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