Looking for the best trails around Hickory?

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 147 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

Thermal Belt Rail-Trail

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

October, 2023 by hcrawford1037_tl

There are some older reviews on here that are no longer accurate. The trail is paved from end to end. It is also well maintained as witnessed by me following guys pulling a leaf blower behind their parks Dept ATV.

Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways

Pleasant park connector in Charlotte

September, 2023 by laurastark

We had a nice time on the Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways. There was interesting public art, the tracts of a defunct railroad, city skyline views, and wooded sections.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Recreational gem connecting Charlotte and the city's southern suburbs

September, 2023 by laurastark

We found the Little Sugar Creek Greenway to be a smooth, well-maintained paved pathway connecting numerous parks. We had a great experience on this trail! There is something for everyone; the northern urban section is fun and vibrant with shops and restaurants nearby, while the southern portion offers a tranquil wooded route, where we saw six deer!

Accordion

McDowell Creek Greenway

Present length 3miles

September, 2023 by jasonhappe

The section from Magnolia Dr to NC 73 is about 3 miles.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Great for jogging

September, 2023 by joenad55

I am a jogger, I run this trail often in the South Charlotte area. The portion from Marsh Park to Tyvola is well paved, in good condition, and is maintained well. Water fountains are well placed. After a rain, it doesn't get muddy or very wet like Four Mile Creek. People very friendly on the trail. Can get crowded on Saturday mornings with all the running clubs, races, etc. Only issue is the speeding bikers, sometimes they call out, sometimes they don't.

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

Biked the trail

September, 2023 by bill603

My wife and I ( we are in our 60's) rode our ebikes and it was a great workout. I don't think we would have made it on our mountain bikes, but we saw a guy on a regular bike. Make your way to the gravel and it's about 5 miles out and 5 miles back. It is very similar to a rail trail, but it does have some hills. Well maintained and not crowded on the gravel trail. We'll be back.

Railroad Grade Road

Excellent Course

August, 2023 by joanneavery062

The rail to ROAD conversion provides an excellent asphalt surface for road bikes. We train a lot out on the roads in SC and found this 20 mile course (10 miles out and back) so enjoyable. While we experienced local road traffic, drivers were very courteous. We never felt unsafe and saw several other riders. When we come back this way we will definitely does this again.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Awesome Trail

July, 2023 by blackburnhome

We started at Cornelia Park and went all the way to Polk Historical site and many miles beyond that. The trail keeps going! We did 36.4 miles. Going through town was a bit confusing, signage is small and lacking in many places. Awesome smooth path, a great mix of buildings, parks and nature!

Boone Greenway Trail

Just got back, mid May ride. Purple and white Phlox blooming along creek. Clean community rec center to use bathroom. Mostly level.

May, 2023 by galeljames

Just got back, mid May ride. Purple and white Phlox blooming along creek. Clean community rec center to use bathroom. Mostly level.

Thermal Belt Rail-Trail

Great place to ride your bike.

April, 2023 by douglowman16

Great place to ride your bike.

Railroad Grade Road

Great for Experienced Road Riders

April, 2023 by pdbissette

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.

Shelby Rail-Trail

River Trail

March, 2023 by sewupscalequilts

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.

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