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 Highland Rail Trail. With more than 38 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.
Pretty trail but you can hear traffic noise for most of the time. Part of the time it is not very loud. The suspension bridge is fun but it does bounce a lot so if you have balance issues, it could be a problem.
Enjoyed the walk on this trail. Very unique with houses, businesses and trees on the way. We found this trail ok but it sure is easier when there is an address.
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.
I thought this was a nice trail. It was clean and there were quite a few people on the trail. I enjoyed the walk. There are bathrooms although we did not use them. There were some hills.
Well paved and marked, decent length, not too many road crossings, and none over major roads, a decent portion more with natural surroundings like trees, and nothing really against it
I moved from Northern Virginia near the W&OD trail that recently won top trial in the nation for cycling so it's been tough to adapt. Although this trail maxes out at a 27-mile rile (unlike being able to do over a metric century on the W&OD) and being an hour drive to get from just west of Charlotte, it is an almost perfect rail trail for road bikes.
Suspension bridge is a unique feature— easy, mostly flat trail, by the water, unpaved. Lots of bridges. Cool rock formations in the water, and small dam-like water fall.
We parked at a park 2 miles from the northern end and went north to the end and then back south to Forest City and back north to the car. About 17 miles and 2 hours. Nice even pavement. Warm fall day. Perfect. Northern end more woodsy but interesting in the more populated areas and towns as well. Would defiantly do it again.
The trail is wide, paved and well maintained. There are a number of street crossings but most are small country roads. The scenery’s is beautiful. Enjoy!
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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