Looking for the best trails around Cherokee?

Explore the best rated trails in Cherokee, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the James White Greenway and Middlebrook Greenway . With more than 27 trails covering 117 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

Gatlinburg Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Beautiful Trail

April, 2025 by leahfoxwell

The trail itself is a definite 5-star experience—beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for exploring with kids. The bridges and the walk along the river were serene and made for a fun adventure. However, I’m giving it 4 stars due to the parking situation. It was a bit tricky to find a spot, but once we figured it out and luckily found a quieter area near one of the less crowded trail entrances, the rest of the visit was fantastic.

Nantahala Bikeway

Must try! :)

April, 2025 by vanessateresaseitz

I walked this trail yesterday, and it was one of the most magical experiences. I brought my dog along, and he was able to cool off with a dip in the water when he started to get too hot. I highly recommend this trail to anyone looking for a peaceful, paved, path shaded by trees, with beautiful views of the water.

Holston River Greenway (Holston River Park)

We love walking this trail. You have the quiet walk in the woods. Wide paths. We walk through thr woods and then walk by the water and around the outside loop. One of our go to places to walk.

March, 2025 by jenhopkins2400

We love walking this trail. You have the quiet walk in the woods. Wide paths. We walk through thr woods and then walk by the water and around the outside loop. One of our go to places to walk.

Accordion

Little Tennessee River Greenway

Great little trail but a few spots are unpaved.

November, 2024 by susancnett

This is a nice trail that runs beside and crosses over the river. Most of the trail is paved, but parts were not paved or were perhaps covered in sand and dirt. (Hence the 4-star rating.) I am unsure if it is always this way or a result of the recent Hurricane that passed this way. (Fall 2024).

I was impressed with the number of benches along the trail and the great signs helping us know where to go. One portion (in Franklin) runs through an unpaved parking lot behind some stores. At first, we were confused but then we saw a sign explaining where to go to get back to the trail.

Also in Franklin is a small "Women's History Park" with a statue and plaques explaining the park and the statue. It was worth the time to look and read.

There are also some cafes and restaurants in that area so you can enjoy a quick coffee or a more relaxed meal.

Being autumn, there was a lot of "tree debris" on sections of the path but overall this was a nice path that we hope to enjoy again.

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.

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.

Oklawaha Greenway

Nice Greenway connecting several parks. Much of it follows power lines. Not really scenic. Nice asphalt trail. Quiet. I wouldn't make a point of coming back.

September, 2024 by jmyers1891

Nice Greenway connecting several parks. Much of it follows power lines. Not really scenic. Nice asphalt trail. Quiet. I wouldn't make a point of coming back.

Maryville-Alcoa Greenway

not crowded,

September, 2024 by er_jacks

I went on a Saturday in the beginning of September (mid morning) and it was barely crowded. Perfect for me for my long run. I did have to ask someone for directions just to make sure I was on the right track to Alcoa. I guess the only time I got confused was when it travels over 411 and there isn’t a lot of signage to tell where the trail goes next. Other than that it was perfect for me!!! I felt generally safe, as being a woman who was running by herself. There isn’t a TON of hills, but there are more just condensed in certain areas

Maryville-Alcoa Greenway

Brother could you spare a sign?

September, 2024 by norwag17_tl

Signage is minimal at best. Surface is nice and so are the bridges. Good amount of traffic with walkers, runners, dogs and bikers. I had my bike and found it difficult to find my way around due to lack of signage. It was my first time on this trail and I am sure the local users enjoy it, but for me it will be better next time (if there is one).

French Broad River Greenway

Two seriously dangerous intersections on trail

June, 2024 by jkendall828

This trail is a good beginning to a great trail for the city of Asheville. I suggest you upgrade all intersections with cars, using the SC Swamp Rabbit Trail as an example. Bright green crosswalks, all traffic stops when bikes or walkers need to cross busy roads. Amboy Rd across from Citgo is very dangerous. Please address. Amboy Rd, Lyman St, Meadow Rd needs immediate attention!

Veterans Boulevard Greenway

Unpleasant

May, 2024 by tmassey1

The Veterans Boulevard greenway in Sevierville is no more than an extra large sidewalk…on the side of a busy highway. It’s very unpleasant to ride with lots of traffic whizzing by. There is also nowhere to park at the trailhead, so the best options put a rider having to navigate some busy intersections and impatient drivers. However, there is a connection to another trail at the intersection with Middle Creek Road and although it isn’t very long it is at least pleasant. Also, the cover image for this trail is incorrect. That bridge is nowhere to be seen on this trail.

Gatlinburg Greenway

Don't bother

April, 2024 by jme_cox

This is a 0.3 mile long, 8' wide asphalt paved offset 50' and parallel to a public road. To call this a "greenway" is a bit silly.

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