Looking for the best trails around Bakersville?

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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

A nice spin through Rutherford County

May, 2025 by tarheeltim76

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.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

great trail to ride

May, 2025 by carololson

Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.

Railroad Grade Road

Road still closed at the bridge so less traffic

April, 2025 by jadams9

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!

Accordion

Tweetsie Trail

A little Sketchy

March, 2025 by mandy.smith2020

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.

Mendota Trail

A must ride

March, 2025 by hippykamp

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.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Wonderful trail, great signage, trail wasn't to busy. Stop by Grumpys if you have any bike needs. They are super friendly and have great accessories. Only improvement I would make is a restroom at each TH.

March, 2025 by marcuslrawls

Wonderful trail, great signage, trail wasn't to busy. Stop by Grumpys if you have any bike needs. They are super friendly and have great accessories. Only improvement I would make is a restroom at each TH.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

wonderful trail

October, 2024 by keowe

We just rode this trail yesterday. It was open all the way. They did have a lot of trees down but all are cleared off the trail. Highly recommend this trail.

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

From the Virginia Creeper FB page: Major section CLOSED

October, 2024 by emeryjay

The Virginia Creeper Trail is CLOSED from Drowning Ford to Whitetop. No one is permitted on that section of the trail without the express written permission from the US Forest Service. In addition, NO clean ups are permitted on this section of the trail at this time. The most valuable action you can take at this time is to stay off the trail so essential resources are not otherwise diverted. We understand and appreciate your curiosity and interest but this is not the time. When we reach the restoration phase, we will reach out. Thank you for your support…it will take our entire trail community to rebuild and restore - but we will do so!! The lower section of the trail, from Abingdon to Drowning Ford (only) is open. Please repost…thank you!

Glenn's Creek Greenway

The first .6 of a mile from the botanical gardens is very nice, being separate from the road, and a long a creek. The last .4 is slightly uphill and alongside the road. Of course there are several miles of trails in the botanical gardens too.

September, 2024 by jmyers1891

The first .6 of a mile from the botanical gardens is very nice, being separate from the road, and a long a creek. The last .4 is slightly uphill and alongside the road. Of course there are several miles of trails in the botanical gardens too.

Tweetsie Trail

Nice trail

September, 2024 by hippykamp

Very nice trail that is well maintained. Expect to see lots of other trail users as this is heavily used. Be aware that due to the type of gravel used your bicycle will get very dusty but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this ride

Tweetsie Trail

Birthday ride

September, 2024 by robinengala

What a lovely day to ride the Tweetsie Trail!

Oklawaha Greenway

Just right!

September, 2024 by kyle131

Just what I was looking for: easily accessible, thoughtfully designed and well maintained, beautifully picturesque in places! Just the right length to be a good workout if you do the whole thing or for smaller jaunts between the little parks in connects. This trail would be ideal for a group outing where the members are at different ages and abilities. Children and walkers could start at the Pet Park on 7th St., for example, and go north through the pretty, level, middle section that runs along the creek while the bicyclers cover the longer distance.

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