Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Athens, 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.
I am visiting this area. Staying at the KOA campsite in Sweetwater. It's only 16 miles from there. So far this is a very clean Trail well maintained. One way in one way out you cannot get lost. this is beginning of March. There is a river running along the trail. It is very peaceful and calming.
I walked the entire trail to New Englewood Road & back on a Monday afternoon. Did not encounter any other trail traffic, not even a stray dog. The trail surface was well maintained and easy to walk. It had been recently dragged with a box blade.
Just ride this trail October 14th. Nicely paved trail all the way and pretty ride with a creek alongside at times and a few ponds and fountain. Some short hills in the Alcoa sections. Easy access from various places. We parked in the parking lot behind the Maryville courthouse and jumped right on the trail there and headed north towards Alcoa. When we came into town, we stopped first at the Maryville Visitor Center and they gave us a map and highlighted the trail and key points for us. This is a good idea because though the trail is great it is not marked in a number of places so easy to get puzzled as to which way to go. We did 18 miles total by going up and back and then a few miles south from the parking lot.
This trail is almost completely shaded so a great ride even on the hottest days. Gravel on the last third of the trail can get a bit large so don't take a road bike unless you like fixing flats. Has just enough grade to keep you pedalling most of the way. If you're on a bike be aware some people on horseback will be on skittish horses.
We parked at Riverpoint park, and rode to the end where it turns to gravel (just past Bonny Oaks Dr.). 10mi round trip. They must have spent a mint on this trail. It is full of long boardwalks built in the woods on the banks of the river. Shaded with lots of scenery. Restrooms, water at Riverpoint park. Lots of ups and downs. Combine with Riverwalk trail for 22mi roundtrip.
We parked at Riverpoint park and rode the S.Chickamauga trail (see review there), then rode the Riverwalk east to the dam. Then turned around and rode the Riverwalk west to the Patten tennis club. The trail goes up a hill there, so we turned around and went back to Riverpoint parking. 12mi roundtrip on Riverwalk, 10mi roundtrip on S.Chick for a 22mi day. Trail is well maintained with lots of restrooms and water. It is shaded most of the way, and runs along the river with lots of good scenery. Tip: this is not a rail-trail, so there are some ups and downs, turns, and it can be a bit narrow and congested in parts.
I noticed that about 10 weeks ago (05-10-2017) some type of grader was run along the surface. It dislodged all of the larger rocks that had been tamped down into the bed of the track. It is now very rough and unpleasant to ride. Leave it alone!!!
During frequent trail walks I've encountered agressive Dogs on this trail around the intersection of the Route 439 (Fairview Rd) intersection with the trail. Dogs chase bicycles and other "leashed" animals. The dogs always appear to be in the same location so I suspect they belong to residents who live nearby. If this situation continues to go unchecked I suspect trail users will begin to avoid the trail or begin protect themselves and their pets.
Trail Managers need to resolve this problem as quickly as possible to avoid a potential incident that is just waiting to happen.
Family friendly trail. Things to see and do: ponds with ducks and fountains. streams. Three playgrounds throughout the trail. Lots of shade. Bridges. Two tunnels. I went often during the week and it wasn't crowded. The traffic getting to the parking lot was bad though. I went around 4-5pm when a lot of people were going home from work. Overall, great trail for the family or the individual.
Let's be honest, it's just a sidewalk. This "trail" shouldn't be on here. It's one step up from riding on the actual road. It's not family friendly and the cars that drive on the road next to the sidewalk go at a high rate of speed, which is a known issue in this area. When I saw a car going to fast in a curve and go up on the sidewalk, that was it for me. I prefer not having the fear of death while riding. No real views other than factories and the smell of mufflers. Yes, I really don't like this "trail" being on here.
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