Explore the best rated trails in Elizabethton, TN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mendota Trail and Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail. With more than 21 trails covering 130 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.
Just got back, mid May ride. Purple and white Phlox blooming along creek. Clean community rec center to use bathroom. Mostly level.
This is the only flat road in the area. I ride here whenever I visit the Boone area. It is a great road for experienced cyclists who are comfortable sharing the road with traffic which is usually not very heavy. Like others have said it is not a good place for casual riders looking to get away from the road.
The pavement isn't perfect but it is just fine for racing bikes.
With over 6.5 miles of trail open from the Bristol Va trailhead the Mendota trail is coming along nicely. Great ride that will only get better when completed which should be in 2023 thanks to some new grant money. I highly recommend this ride for one and all.
I am 70 and handicapped with a heart condition. I have an e-bike that allows me some mobility. I have exercised to a point where I could physically ride this and enjoy it, but am prevented from doing so by regulation, as this is a “non-motorized” trail. What can we do to get this re-classified?
I’ve walked this trail many times. It goes along side the Catawba River. Most of it is shady in the summer so that is nice. It is paved and almost totally flat. Part of it is close to a busy road so you can hear the traffic noise.
This was my first time on this trail. My husband and I are 72 but love to take walks. The part we were on was wooded with houses around. We parked at the library parking lot. The beginning of the trail at this entrance goes downhill. The rest of the trail that we walked was flat. I say this because my husband has arthritis in his knees and it makes it hard for him to go up and down hills. Of course, when you go down you must come back up at the end of your walk! Loved the trail and will be back.
Nice paved trail that meanders alongside the river. Only slight grades up or down-otherwise near flat. On this Saturday there were more walkers, joggers and dog walkers than bikes. Not crowded but you would see people every few minutes along the ride. Will return.
I liked this trail. It is flat, smooth and a good length. There was no trash. Liked the wooded area. It does go by some houses but not real close. There are several road crossings but most of them were not busy streets. My husband and I were the only people on the trail but it was a chilly weekday.
10/25/22 Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful on a beautiful Fall Day. Maybe 20 people on the trail. Did Whitetop to Abingdon. Lunch break in Damascus. 6 hours seat time. Rid the everyday life of stress & enjoy the Creeper.
The trail offers impressive rock formations and a few spots to get to the river. From the parking lot (which is nicely kept having trash bins and pit toilets), you begin your downward decent to the other end that ends at the water crossing and active rail line. A beautiful end point to relax and enjoy. Make sure you’re prepared for the return trip as it is all up hill. Not an easy climb! I brought my Australian shepherd and there were a couple places for her to get in the river. Not many people!
Not a "destination" trail, but the perfect stop along the way. Take an hour or 2 only 1 mile off of I-40. Peaceful 4 mile ride (8 mi RT) alongside the River. Take a break, walk down to the river, and enjoy your lunch. Stop at Ingles at the Trailhead entrance either coming in or heading out and fill up your gas tank. Your other tanks will be filled as well...
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