Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Asheville, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This September weekend provided the opportunity to experience the Thermal Belt Trail, after learning of it several months ago. Wife, youngest son, & I had been looking forward to our first trip on this rail trail. We found a small campground near the northern terminus of the trail & planned our trip. The Thermal Belt was a very nice ride, a good mix of nature & urban corridor. We set out mid morning on Saturday 9/13 & got to Forest City around lunchtime & discovered the Copper Penny on Main Street, just a few blocks from the trail, as a great meal break. Following lunch, wife explored Forest City, while son & I completed the Thermal Belt to the southern endpoint. The only complaint I have to offer is the placement of bollards at every street crossing. Most of the bollards are a series of 2 side by side, rather than a single bollard, which seem to be the norm on most other rail trails that we've ridden. I was worried that my son, an adult with special needs would have an issue with the bollards. My concerns were realized during our return segment, when he struck one of the bollards with his trike bike, which overturned. Fortunately, he was unhurt and our ride continued. Not sure if the dual bollards were any more effective than singles, as there still seemed to be room for a vehicle to make its way onto the trail. We also were pleased to meet a Sheriff's vehicle patrolling along the trail during our ride. Trail is well paved & smooth & does have long slight uphill & downhill stretches, but not taxing at all. A very good time, we'll likely return
Nice wide paved asphalt (5 stars)—-but way too many crossings that interrupt your ride (0 stars).
My wife and I found this to be a great trail to ride. Nice 17miles and beautiful.
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
My wife and I enjoyed a 24-mile out-and-back ride on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. This well-maintained trail took us through several small towns on the way to Forest City, which has a beautiful downtown with shops and places to eat. I knocked off a star for two reasons: 1) There are some areas along the trail with razor wire fencing, nothing sketchy-feeling, but definitely not scenic; 2) There are a LOT of road crossings and some of them are busy. The area has worked hard to build this trail and it will get better over time as amenities like restrooms are added at the trailheads.
Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.
I have ridden many rail trails across the US. One of the things that I look for are access to water, bathrooms and food. This trail has it all! Warm spring day - lots of people & dogs out enjoying the trail with happy smiles. There are areas of downed trees on either side of the trail from the Hurricane damage but it doesn’t affect the trail at all. It is paved asphalt so there are “root humps” here and there but nothing terrible. Gentle inclines and declines. I enjoyed my ride!
Wonderful trail, great signage, trail wasn't to busy. Stop by Grumpys if you have any bike needs. They are super friendly and have great accessories. Only improvement I would make is a restroom at each TH.
My husband and I love this trail. We have done it a couple of times. Took my sister and her husband on it. They enjoyed too. It’s smooth and clean. We park in Easley and ride up to Pickens. We always stop in Pickens at a restaurant and eat. (So my sugar levels don’t go too low). Then we head back. Very nice and polite people on the trail.
This trail was beautiful and fun, but the hills made it pretty challenging. I had to get off my bike and walk quite a bit more than I’d hoped. I parked at Doodle Park in Easley, and managed to make it to Pickens and back! The bathrooms at both end were clean, and the trail wasn’t crowded. I went on a weekday morning though ¿.
We just rode this trail yesterday. It was open all the way. They did have a lot of trees down but all are cleared off the trail. Highly recommend this trail.
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