Explore the best rated trails in Hickory, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Railroad Grade Road and Yadkin River Greenway . With more than 42 trails covering 157 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!
The access and parking is still blocked off to outside visitors leaving nowhere to park without the risk of being towed. This seems wrong for an open greenway.
The reason for the 2 stars: It states there is parking located at 3190 Gilroy Dr (Indian Land) but the housing development blocked off the parking area and put in picnic tables! How is this ok when it’s supposed to be publicly accessible??? I took a pic, but I’m uncle to load it for the review.
The bridge has been destroyed because the broad River overflowed after tropical storm Helene came through
Clean, well kept, and paved the entire way. The trail is well marked; however, there was construction so we had to go around certain areas. Me and a friend ran the entire trail and it was beautiful.
Saturday afternoon ride on a bright November day. Surprisingly limited number of cyclists, walkers, runners, & strollers. Entered at Birkdale Village Trailhead. Congested area. Suggest trying Catawba Road instead. Shaded trail with elevation changes and some crossings.
I rode my bike on this trail last weekend. It was beautiful with the fall trees..there los a small in complete section. But otherwise it is a great greenway. The leaves were turning and so it looked beautiful!
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.
We started at freedom Park to go south towards South Carolina. There are detour signs as you leave the park that are hard to find. Once you get on the trail along the river, it is smooth sailing with no stops.
My husband and I were looking for a trail that was flat but in the woods. My husband recently has knee replacement surgery and he was able to walk easily on this trail. For this trip, we only went partway but next time, hopefully, he’ll be able to go further. It was so pretty and the history of the renovated mill is very interesting. I want to add that if you are south bound on 321, after you exit, turn right. The rest of the directions are great.
One thing that must be improved. Rode it the first time today. It's not completely confusing but it's not totally clear which way you go at turns, street crossings..... maybe it's the road painted green... duh... but it's still not quite clear. Great job overall. How about some green arrows on surface showing direction ?
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