Explore the best rated trails in Waynesville, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Townsend Historical Trail and Nantahala Bikeway . With more than 19 trails covering 90 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.
I’d give this greenway 4/5 stars. Parts have been re-paved but there are still some areas of broken asphalt and pot holes. If you start from the Asheville side, it is a steep ride down. Think more than Virginia Creeper Trail plus. The parking area is very limited to off the shoulder gravel. The Old Fort side has a less clearly marked parking near a church and is a very steep incline the entire way up. There are several nice benches with beautiful views along the way. There are areas washed out likely due to Helene so vigilance always near the shoulders. I’d recommend as long as you realize what you are facing.
If you’re in the Smokies and riding Cades Cove pretty hard to pass up an opportunity to ride this trail. You can park at the Townsend visitor center. Lots of variety on this trail.
This is a lovely ride, mostly adjacent to the water with many shaded places to stop and appreciate the views and sounds of nature. Much of the trail is gravel (enough to be bumpy), and the dirt surfaces would be very muddy after a rain. There are a few inclines that we easily managed with our e-bikes, and while there were a lot of walkers, we had no issues sharing the space. You won’t want to ride fast anyway - it’s worth taking it slow to appreciate the setting!
Love this little trail, especially after riding it for several weeks. Main ride is paved but several off shoots aren’t. Zero complaints!
We rode from Travelers Rest to Greenville. Looks like lots of places to eat and drink but we rode early. It was pretty crowded on both ends but nice and calm in the middle. Be prepared to dodge runners, walkers, and strollers. And an occasional high speed e bike. If you’re looking for a place to increase your fitness, this probably isn’t it. If your looking to just cruise and maybe get a beer your good to goandsomething to eat
We hit the trail about 9 am for an out and back ride. Pretty quiet early on a Monday morning. Gentle slopes but no big climbs. My wife had a good time on her pedal assist e-bike. A few road crossings but only one busy at the Easley end of the trail. We rode from Pickens to Easley and back. Plenty of parking on the Pickens end. I was able to park my class C camper pretty easily.
Started at the Hendersonville visitor center and headed out. Fill your water bottles and use the restrooms at this really nice visitor center! Very well marked trail with lots of safe crossings for the roads! Super wide super smooth asphalt so no issues bypassing pedestrians and other cyclists! Rode all the way to the end and found a pumpkin patch! Since we were on our bikes, I only purchased five small ones for two dollars each! We also stopped by the farm stand trail side, and got some of the best Golden delicious apples we’ve ever had! Beautiful rail trail……kudos to Hendersonville because there were 1000 people using it on this stunning Saturday! It has a brewery, playground, coffeehouse, Quik Mart, all on the side of the trail if you need anything. We really enjoyed the countryside! A winner for a Saturday early Fall bike ride!
Rode the trail today a few times back-and-forth back-and-forth to get a few miles in. Beautiful river with the roar of the water and the roar of the trucks on the highway. Leaves covering the trail in a few spots so it could be slippery. Great parking at both ends. We did take a rod on our second trip around and did a few casts the access spots, but didn’t get anything.
We walked the trail and it was rather shady and comfortable. The trail was very active to be so new. Loved the Ecusta Brewery and the Market Cafe experience. The trail takes you past Elijah Mtn Gem Mine which would be a fun stop for the littles. I only made it half way as it was dusk but look forward to my next visit. Once you get further north and a bit more rural it was nice to see LP patrolling the trail for safety and awareness.
Very nice trail, minimal parking, but meant more for walking. Very busy with walkers.
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