Explore the best rated trails in Boonville, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mayo River Rail Trail and Long Branch Trail (NC) . With more than 25 trails covering 161 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 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!
Beautiful paved trail, nicely maintained, especially at the western end. Nice bridges and scenery through the swamps. Nice view of High Point University at the Western end, even with the security fences on all sides.
Just rode the whole trail. Trail is fully paved, goes through some really pretty wooded areas. It’s hilly, and the pavement is full of bumps caused by tree roots. Fine for casual bikers, not great for high-speed road bikers. There is a stairway towards the southern end that does accommodate bikes. But it’s nicely done and well maintained.
While not much traffic exists on this road, the cars that drive down drive quite fast and I feel this isn't the best place to send people for a walk. If there were a sidewalk going along this road, I think this would be a wonderful and lovely place to recreate.
This is a paved, slightly narrow path of about 3.5 miles one way. No cross roads so auto traffic is not an issue. There is generally 1 water crossing and sometimes a flooded section. Can be muddy and sandy immediately after storms. Mostly shaded. Parking available by Salem College tennis courts. One hill of note; otherwise a pleasant bike ride. Can be crowded on weekends. Intersects with Salem Lake loop.
The Yadkin River Greenway offers a pleasant dose of nature right in the middle of town. https://myfox8.com/spotlight/my-town/fox8-checks-out-the-wilkes-county-bike-tour/
-The unpaved Jefferson Turnpike section follows the path of an old log flume up the Reddies River. It's about two miles out-and-back. You'll find tall trees, a slow moving stream and plenty of peace and quiet on this stretch.
-The greenway's red section begins at Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro, tracing one of the Yadkin's faster flowing stretches. It's a great place to see waterfowl and wildflowers. It links to the green Mulberry Fields section that follows the Yadkin and Reddies Rivers from West Park to West D Street. A spur crosses the river and climbs up the route of an old carriage trail to downtown Wilkesboro. The Health Foundation has installed outdoor exercise equipment for adults at the West Park trail head. Smoot Park has restrooms, a pool and an inclusive playpark. All of these trails are paved with a soft shoulder for running. About six miles round-trip.
-The paved blue section runs along the Yadkin and Cub Creek from the YMCA to Wilkes Community College. About two miles round-trip.
The greenway system has grown over the years, and plans are underway for further expansion.
I live just down the mountain from the Railroad Grade Road and have ridden it for many years. Here’s the good and the bad. The good: 1) The road winds along the banks of the scenic South Fork of the New River, flanked by tall peaks and wildflowers. It’s simply gorgeous in spots. 2) Historic Todd is a quaint village with a creekside park, bakery, summer concerts and bike repair station. 3) The road is virtually pancake flat, a rarity in the mountains. The bad: 1) This is a rail-to-road, not a rail-to-trail, so recreational users must share the narrow roadway with motorists. The road is usually sparsely traveled, but it’s busier on summer weekends, the very time many cyclists and runners take to the road. 2) Amenities are lacking. As other reviewers have noted, it can be hard to figure out where to park, and there and no public bathrooms along the road except for a port-a-jon at Todd Island Park. 3) Land use restrictions are virtually nonexistent, so vacation homes and travel trailers are popping up along the riverbank, increasing traffic and marring the views in spots.
The finished parts are lovely and shaded. There are many segments in busy roads with no bike lanes or sidewalks.
We biked from Fries to Fries Junction, then down to Galax, and then back to Fries. Beautiful bike ride! We saw several deer, birds and squirrels. The pathways are very level and provide a smooth ride. Hoping we get to explore more of this trail before we leave town. Highly recommend!
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