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.
Can make a 10 mike loop using several trails plus ride a couple surface streets. Very nice loop.
Just have to give all the park rangers and volunteers a shout out for making this trail a beautiful trail again after Hurricane Helene. We parked at Ivanhoe and rode to Cliffview. Flush toilets and a gift shop at Cliffview. The trail is better than I remember it being before. You could clearly see the devastation and how hard they must have worked to bring this trail back! Thank you!
Very hilly. Currently has confusing detours. Not a bad trail. Good route from Cornelius down to Birkdale village. Slippery when wet!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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