Explore the best rated trails in Kingsport, TN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Guest River Gorge Trail and Salt Trail . With more than 16 trails covering 105 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.
Rode this trail to the end and back today on our pedal assist e-bikes. I can’t say enough about how great it is. Well marked and maintained parking. Well maintained trail too — the USFS has come in and cleared the trail of trees from Helene so it is rideable. But the best part is how absolutely gorgeous this gorge is. Towering limestone cliffs! Waterfalls! A designated Scenic River that I want to come back and swim in! It truly rivals the Virginia Creeper Trail (upper part before Helene) and is easy on an e-bike. Uncrowded too. I think we saw a total of 18 people all day today and two of them worked for the USFS. Highly recommend! before Helene ¿¿
The trail is well maintained. You are mostly riding through town. The last 3-4 miles are a little sketchy. You are riding behind and in between factories. Nice ride overall if you’re just looking for somewhere to ride your bike.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is CLOSED from Drowning Ford to Whitetop. No one is permitted on that section of the trail without the express written permission from the US Forest Service. In addition, NO clean ups are permitted on this section of the trail at this time. The most valuable action you can take at this time is to stay off the trail so essential resources are not otherwise diverted. We understand and appreciate your curiosity and interest but this is not the time. When we reach the restoration phase, we will reach out. Thank you for your support…it will take our entire trail community to rebuild and restore - but we will do so!! The lower section of the trail, from Abingdon to Drowning Ford (only) is open. Please repost…thank you!
Very nice trail that is well maintained. Expect to see lots of other trail users as this is heavily used. Be aware that due to the type of gravel used your bicycle will get very dusty but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this ride
This trail does not disappoint. The ride down from Whitetop Mountain was fun with beautiful vista after beautiful vista. I STRONGLY recommend riding this trail twice.
The first time, just ride it and take it all in. Enjoy the beauty of the environment and the trail. Get into the zone and just ride non-stop.
Then do it a second time but, this time, stop to take pictures, grab a coffee or a cider at one of the cafes that pop up along the trail, and then stop to take more pictures.
Mendota trail weaves with the water and a local gravel road starting from Mendota. Trail Signage was great and will guide you! Water access at varying points as was useful for my Australian Shepherd to cool down. Multiple benches and picnic tables available. Great trail!
I love being outside and the sound of the river and the trees are wonderful. Being paved, it is comfortable to be on even after it had rained as opposed to a muddy trail, so I really liked that. There is plenty of parking with overflow parking across the street.
This was our first time on this trail. It is a very beautiful trail, but NOT an easy hike. Lots of overgrowth from plants, lots of rocks and obstacles to climb / navigate. Just be aware if you do it
Front start to finish and back is 20 miles. You will see homeless people but they will not bother you at all. In the summer months parts of the trail can flood if we get a lot of rain. But you have get some really good shaded areas to cool off and there is also so up hill areas but not bad at all. Good trail to get some exercise!
I would highly suggest unless you are an avid cyclist, to start on the Mendota side. From Mendota toward Bristol is about an 8 to 10 mile gradual climb. If you get the climb out of the way you can enjoy a very nice beautiful ride back into Mendota with a little effort. It’s a very scenic trail and shaded 90% of the time. I’ll ride a lot of rail trails, other than the steep climb, that which is a great workout, this trail is among the best.
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