Looking for the best trails around Wilkesboro?

Explore the best rated trails in Wilkesboro, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Railroad Grade Road and Emily B. Taylor Greenway . With more than 30 trails covering 190 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

West Branch Rocky River Greenway

nice trail

May, 2025 by jeffdeitrick60

Difficult to get to by bicycle. Lots of narrow surrounding roads with no shoulder. Best to transport your bike there.

McDowell Creek Greenway

great short run

May, 2025 by jeffdeitrick60

Very hilly. Currently has confusing detours. Not a bad trail. Good route from Cornelius down to Birkdale village. Slippery when wet!

Emerald Necklace

decent loop

May, 2025 by jeffdeitrick60

I do this loop a couple times a week. It’s a series of greenways and residential roads forming a “loop”. Be prepared for some hills. I use an ebike so there are no issues. It does have a lot of wood bridges which can get slippery when it’s damp.

Accordion

Railroad Grade Road

Road still closed at the bridge so less traffic

April, 2025 by jadams9

I’ve ridden this twice since Helene. Once last Fall and then again in March 2025. There isn’t much traffic since the road is closed at the bridge — which is about half way. Bikes can cross the bridge and ride around the road damage past the bridge. It would be 5 stars for scenery if it weren’t for the fact there are still cars — just fewer than normal. Helene was such a devastating storm. ¿¿Appalachia Strong!

McDowell Creek Greenway

Secluded Suburban Trail

November, 2024 by maryepalermo

Saturday afternoon ride on a bright November day. Surprisingly limited number of cyclists, walkers, runners, & strollers. Entered at Birkdale Village Trailhead. Congested area. Suggest trying Catawba Road instead. Shaded trail with elevation changes and some crossings.

New River Trail State Park

Late Fall Ride

November, 2024 by rcwolf64

Accessed trail at Booker Falls. Great ride with beautiful views of the New River. Saw several deer and interesting to see the damage from the hurricane.

Caldwell Station Creek Greenway

Great trail. still not complete

November, 2024 by v.londhe

I rode my bike on this trail last weekend. It was beautiful with the fall trees..there los a small in complete section. But otherwise it is a great greenway. The leaves were turning and so it looked beautiful!

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

From the Virginia Creeper FB page: Major section CLOSED

October, 2024 by emeryjay

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!

Muddy Creek Greenway

Non-scenic except the creek

October, 2024 by royboytoy50

Non-scenic except the creek

South Fork Rail-Trail

Pretty

September, 2024 by sewupscalequilts

My husband and I were looking for a trail that was flat but in the woods. My husband recently has knee replacement surgery and he was able to walk easily on this trail. For this trip, we only went partway but next time, hopefully, he’ll be able to go further. It was so pretty and the history of the renovated mill is very interesting. I want to add that if you are south bound on 321, after you exit, turn right. The rest of the directions are great.

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Pictures and Reviews Do Not Do This Trail Justice

September, 2024 by rob234

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.

Railroad Grade Road

As it's title indicates, it's a road

August, 2024 by samanthamozel29

While not much traffic exists on this road, the cars that drive down drive quite fast and I feel this isn't the best place to send people for a walk. If there were a sidewalk going along this road, I think this would be a wonderful and lovely place to recreate.

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