Explore the best rated trails in Hudson, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Boone Greenway Trail and South Fork New River Greenway . With more than 31 trails covering 114 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.
The suspension bridge is now fully repaired. The trail is in good condition. Wish there were trees around the parking lot for shade.
The *Emerald Necklace* is an effort to link greenways and local streets into a continuous loop through the northern part of Mecklenburg County, primarily around Cornelius and Davidson. The concept is excellent—creating a connected network for cyclists and walkers—but the current experience is a mix of enjoyable greenway riding and more challenging on-road navigation. Your enjoyment will largely depend on your comfort level riding on streets. At some point in the future, the western portion of the system is expected to connect with a greenway extending to Huntersville.
Riders should be prepared for sections that transition onto streets, some of which are busy or narrow. There are also several crossings at high-traffic intersections that require caution. Currently, connecting the eastern and western portions of the Necklace requires riding along very busy Catawba Avenue or Sam Furr Road, which may be uncomfortable for some cyclists.
To make the experience more enjoyable, we’ve found it best to ride the Necklace in sections rather than attempting the full loop at once, thereby avoiding some of the more difficult road segments. Signage and naming can also be confusing—for example, the trail beginning at Shearer Road is referred to by different names on various maps, making navigation less intuitive. And the signs on the street along this route and small and easy to miss.
On our most recent outing, we completed an out-and-back ride on the South Prong Rocky River Greenway, traveling from Shearer Road to the River Run Athletic Field. Much of this segment follows neighborhood streets rather than a dedicated greenway. While the River Run area is quite lovely, the bike lanes are in need of repainting, and signage directing riders from one street to another is minimal or nonexistent.
Parking is available at various points along the route, but locating access points can be challenging. It is helpful to download a trail map in advance:
[https://www.carolinathreadtrailmap.org/trails/trail/south-prong-rocky-river-greenway]
The terrain in this section is notably hilly, adding an extra level of challenge to the ride.
**Overall:**
A promising and scenic concept that still needs improved signage, clearer mapping, and safer, more consistent bike infrastructure to fully realize its potential.
I am also a local. To the tourist that think this is meant to be a trail—it’s a ROAD. people live here and are driving to and from work. we are constantly made late by people riding bikes and leisurely walking while refusing to let cars by and being hateful because they are out of towners who believe this to be a biking trail. i’m sorry but it’s just not, this road is dangerous enough as a vehicle coming up on another vehicle. that becomes disaster when there’s people standing in blind curves taking pictures and gawking when people are trying to go make a living and not be made late by out of touch tourists.
This trail the was nice but clearly intended for residents only. Businesses around it with signage stating “not trail parking.” Little to no parking access for non residents. Construction on trail but detours from the trail side are poorly marked but seem to be well marked in the residential areas surrounding. Trail is really several trails with one area not accessible to the other. Not sure why it is listed as “a” trail. Should be two. If you can access it you will enjoy it but good luck. We tried multiple points and spoke to people on it that did not have any good recommendations.
This September weekend provided the opportunity to experience the Thermal Belt Trail, after learning of it several months ago. Wife, youngest son, & I had been looking forward to our first trip on this rail trail. We found a small campground near the northern terminus of the trail & planned our trip. The Thermal Belt was a very nice ride, a good mix of nature & urban corridor. We set out mid morning on Saturday 9/13 & got to Forest City around lunchtime & discovered the Copper Penny on Main Street, just a few blocks from the trail, as a great meal break. Following lunch, wife explored Forest City, while son & I completed the Thermal Belt to the southern endpoint. The only complaint I have to offer is the placement of bollards at every street crossing. Most of the bollards are a series of 2 side by side, rather than a single bollard, which seem to be the norm on most other rail trails that we've ridden. I was worried that my son, an adult with special needs would have an issue with the bollards. My concerns were realized during our return segment, when he struck one of the bollards with his trike bike, which overturned. Fortunately, he was unhurt and our ride continued. Not sure if the dual bollards were any more effective than singles, as there still seemed to be room for a vehicle to make its way onto the trail. We also were pleased to meet a Sheriff's vehicle patrolling along the trail during our ride. Trail is well paved & smooth & does have long slight uphill & downhill stretches, but not taxing at all. A very good time, we'll likely return
Nice wide paved asphalt (5 stars)—-but way too many crossings that interrupt your ride (0 stars).
It’s an okay path. Bicycling it’s quite bumpy. Bumpiest greenway of all the trails I’ve been on in the county.
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
Nice paved trail with plenty of parking and handy facilities. Great for taking a stroll but midday on a Monday was too crowded for biking. Walkers with head phones that do not hear you ring, beep and call out and walk down middle of path. Segment by sewage processing plant wad S T I N K Y. Lots of deer ¿¿¿¿, covered bridge, river and wooded areas were very picturesque. The gravel trail to the left after the bridge led to a great off road ride through the hills. Very little traffic, cool curves and fun switchbacks. Peaceful and fun. ¿¿¿¿¿
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