Explore the best rated trails in Bakersville, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Railroad Grade Road and City Walk . With more than 24 trails covering 141 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.
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
The Mendota Trail is a lovely extension of Rails-to-Trails! The original track route was built to haul coal. Today this trail provides scenic views from 17 trestles in 12.5 miles! The swinging bridge is my favorite part, but there is a parallel path that goes over a solid trestle for those who want something solid under their feet. My brother (a retired physician), bought several properties to secure the right-of-way for the trail. When some sections were contested, he stuck with it.
Nice paved trail with plenty of parking and handy facilities. Great for taking a stroll but midday on a Monday was too crowded for biking. Walkers with head phones that do not hear you ring, beep and call out and walk down middle of path. Segment by sewage processing plant wad S T I N K Y. Lots of deer ¿¿¿¿, covered bridge, river and wooded areas were very picturesque. The gravel trail to the left after the bridge led to a great off road ride through the hills. Very little traffic, cool curves and fun switchbacks. Peaceful and fun. ¿¿¿¿¿
Drove out here from Greensboro to bike. Pulled up to the closed Fleetwood post office to park in gravel lot next door. Passed 7 cars/trucks and 2 tractors on this narrow road with many blind curves mid morning on a Monday. Did not feel safe. Was not a low to no traffic road in our experience. Pivoted and went to Boone Greenway
My wife and I just completed this trail out and back. Based on recommendations, we started in Mendota and worked our way to Bristol. I’m glad we took the advice. Coming back from Bristol was a breeze as the trail was mostly downhill. The trail was well maintained with only a short section near Bristol being slightly rough because of the larger gravel that was used. Other than that, our bikes with gravel tires handled the trail well. This is one of the best trails we’ve ridden. We highly recommend it!
Just finished doing the trail from Mendota to Bristol and back. 25 miles. This is DEFINITELY the direction to take if doing a round trip ride. First 9+ miles from Mendota end are steady up hill. It’s a grunt! Once up to the top though it’s a fun coating ride to Bristol. This way on return it’s only 3 miles uphill and then 9.5 down mostly. Would’ve been much tougher starting in Bristol. Trail is a shaded mix of gravel, dirt, grass and even pavement. It’s all fine but not all a glassy paved ride. Excellent trail!!!
My wife and I enjoyed a 24-mile out-and-back ride on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. This well-maintained trail took us through several small towns on the way to Forest City, which has a beautiful downtown with shops and places to eat. I knocked off a star for two reasons: 1) There are some areas along the trail with razor wire fencing, nothing sketchy-feeling, but definitely not scenic; 2) There are a LOT of road crossings and some of them are busy. The area has worked hard to build this trail and it will get better over time as amenities like restrooms are added at the trailheads.
Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.
I’ve ridden this twice since Helene. Once last Fall and then again in March 2025. There isn’t much traffic since the road is closed at the bridge — which is about half way. Bikes can cross the bridge and ride around the road damage past the bridge. It would be 5 stars for scenery if it weren’t for the fact there are still cars — just fewer than normal. Helene was such a devastating storm. ¿¿Appalachia Strong!
The trail is well maintained. You are mostly riding through town. The last 3-4 miles are a little sketchy. You are riding behind and in between factories. Nice ride overall if you’re just looking for somewhere to ride your bike.
Trail is immaculate compared to most. Rode it mid March and you could see all the work that’s been done in the last few months. It takes a minute to get to the Mendota trailhead but it’s worth the beautiful drive if you have the time. Not to say starting in Bristol is bad because it isn’t. If you haven’t been yet then put it on your list.
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