Explore the best rated trails in Bristol, TN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Guest River Gorge Trail and Railroad Grade Road . With more than 20 trails covering 124 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.
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.
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
This trail does not disappoint. The ride down from Whitetop Mountain was fun with beautiful vista after beautiful vista. I STRONGLY recommend riding this trail twice.
The first time, just ride it and take it all in. Enjoy the beauty of the environment and the trail. Get into the zone and just ride non-stop.
Then do it a second time but, this time, stop to take pictures, grab a coffee or a cider at one of the cafes that pop up along the trail, and then stop to take more pictures.
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.
Mendota trail weaves with the water and a local gravel road starting from Mendota. Trail Signage was great and will guide you! Water access at varying points as was useful for my Australian Shepherd to cool down. Multiple benches and picnic tables available. Great trail!
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.
I love being outside and the sound of the river and the trees are wonderful. Being paved, it is comfortable to be on even after it had rained as opposed to a muddy trail, so I really liked that. There is plenty of parking with overflow parking across the street.
This was our first time on this trail. It is a very beautiful trail, but NOT an easy hike. Lots of overgrowth from plants, lots of rocks and obstacles to climb / navigate. Just be aware if you do it
Front start to finish and back is 20 miles. You will see homeless people but they will not bother you at all. In the summer months parts of the trail can flood if we get a lot of rain. But you have get some really good shaded areas to cool off and there is also so up hill areas but not bad at all. Good trail to get some exercise!
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