Explore the best rated trails in North Wilkesboro, 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 29 trails covering 188 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.
A delightful, albeit short, trail in Elkin, NC.
We stopped to check out this trail on our way south after riding the longer New River Trail State Park rail trail, and we're glad we did. Even though it is only 1.8 miles long (3.6 miles round trip), it was a fun ride featuring a dam, two bridges, two underpasses, and excellent interpretive signage.
The trail surface is more sandy than crushed stone, with a few gentle inclines. There is plenty of parking, although a few additional restroom facilities would be a welcome addition. Be sure to bring your own water; if there were any drinking fountains, I didn't see them.
Even on a Thursday morning, the trail was busy with walkers and dog owners enjoying the beautiful surroundings. While this is not a trail I would drive a long distance specifically to ride, it makes an excellent stop when traveling to or from one of the area's longer trail systems.
The trail currently comes to an abrupt end, and I hope it is extended someday. For those seeking a little more adventure, there is a mountain bike trail branching off the main route, along with at least one hiking trail.
I highly recommend this trail if you're in the area. It would have earned five stars from me if it had been a bit longer.
The Creeper Trail is still one of my favorite trails. I love riding it from the Abington end and from the Damascus trailhead. Both are absolutely beautiful and well worth the trip.
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.
Hands down our favorite trail. We’ve hiked the entire trail (not all at once) and biked it end to end, and no section ever disappoints—no matter the season.
An added bonus is the park’s occasional van tours. Options include routes from Cliffview to Foster Falls and from Foster Falls to Pulaski. These guided tours offer wonderful insight into the area’s history and the former rail line.
Be sure to check the park’s website for tour details.
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.
We rode from Damascus to the end of the trail in Abingdon. The weather was sunny and mild, temps were in the high 60’s. Trail conditions were excellent. Traffic on the Creeper was brisk, even on Friday during the school year. This ride completed our previous ride from Damascus to White Top back in 2022. Maybe someday we will be able to ride the east end, a lot of work needs to be done to put the trail back together following Hurricane Helene. Be sure to visit the local stores in Damascus: Damascus Outfitters, Damascus Brewery, Appalachian Heritage Distillery, the Damascus Diner, Damascus Pizza, etc.
Great ride! Challenge was avoiding the walnuts that fall this time of year! We saw several deer. 2 bounced down the trail right in front of us! The weather was beautiful and the trail was fabulous!
Been on this trail for many years and it is increasingly hostile to rollerbladers. You are either almost getting run over by the bikers or almost being bitten by a dog who's owner can't handle them correctly. Used to be a good flat spot to rollerblade but its gone down hill because the people who are on have become exceptionally rude.
For my birthday today we biked from Galax to Fries. It was my first real trailhead ride and I loved it. Beautiful scenery to enjoy while on the trail. So many real breath taking views to enjoy during your ride.
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