Explore the best rated trails in Spruce Pine, 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 24 trails covering 112 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.
Enjoyed the entire trail on Aprils Fool Day. It is a nice wide trail from beginning to end. There are some road crossings but all are well marked. We saw walkers and cyclist on this overcast spring day. Impressive maps at the parking lots.
Wide, long ascents and descents and varied scenery. We wisded that we had stopped at Fly Boy Pizza and Fly Girl Brewing at Mile 3.5. Super friendly bike store called Grumpy’s around mile 6 across the street from the trail.
Wonderful trail that still isn’t super crowded yet like the Virginia Creeper trail is. Nice trailhead in Bristol with plenty of parking. The Mendota trailhead is an open field so parking is not a problem. We like to ride from Mendota to Bristol to get the climbing over first. It is a drive to Mendota from the interstate but it is a pretty drive. Well worth the trip. You won’t regret it
Really enjoyed riding here. Wish the one big road crossing wasn't as daunting but overall a great trail with several parks to visit! Will def come back
But going through Elizabethton is noisy next to the main thoroughfare. The trail is well maintained over the full 10 miles. If you go and the Johnson City Trailhead lot is full, there is a second parking lot a 1/4 mile away on the other side of Legion Street.
I went to the trail after having rain and before the trail was dry. Unfortunately, some sections had been flooded and, although there was no standing water, the mud on the trail was slick making it dangerous. This was around mile marker 3. Also, there is a section on the Cleek Road extension that looks like drainage is an ongoing problem. Some parts make me nervous in the downtown area. It looks like there is a homeless problem with deterrents on the park benches. The trail has the potential to be very nice, but not until some issues are dealt with.
Went from Benhams to Mendota to Bristol, then back to Benhams. The section from Benhams to Mendota is my favorite. It is down the gorge with the stream right near the trail. The section from Benhams to Bristol is more populated with farms and houses. I didn’t have any problems with dogs. The trail was muddy in spots. The trail was pretty empty. There were four cyclists and one walker. It may have been the weather: sleet, light rain, and windy. I really enjoyed it and will go back.
I was visiting my parents at a nearby city and saw this trail listed. I hopped on it on the southern end in Forest City at mile 13.6 and road to the trailhead in Gilkey and back. It was a fantastic ride and nice to see that it is completely paved and lots of places to stop and admire. I plan on coming backs after spring to enjoy the trail in full bloom!
Only got to do half the trail due to weather conditions, but what we saw was very scenic, wooded & well kept & clean.
This trail was just gorgeous, well kept, & clean. The first half was very wooded and scenic. The second half was thru the town congested and had lots of streets and lights to go thru. We enjoyed it because we wanted to see what the town had business wise.
We had rode the trail several times from both ends before it was completed. Finally got to ride the last section that was opened and what a delight is was to enjoy, Rode from Mendota to Benhams and back and thoroughly enjoyed it. We definitely think the northern part of the trail is the best part. Thanks to all who worked so diligently to get this trail done.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
