Find the top rated running trails in Boone, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I have biked and hiked this entire trail. Very scenic and much to see. Can be VERY busy during the weekends.
Secluded and un-crowded. This is a trail with a lot less people pollution! I have biked and hiked this entire trail. Very scenic and much to see.
This trail was just gorgeous, well kept, & clean. The first half was very wooded and scenic. The second half was thru the town congested and had lots of streets and lights to go thru. We enjoyed it because we wanted to see what the town had business wise.
We had rode the trail several times from both ends before it was completed. Finally got to ride the last section that was opened and what a delight is was to enjoy, Rode from Mendota to Benhams and back and thoroughly enjoyed it. We definitely think the northern part of the trail is the best part. Thanks to all who worked so diligently to get this trail done.
The next day after having a great ride from Damascus to Abingdon I rode the section from Damascus to White Top and back. I had heard about poor trail conditions and many riders speeding down from White Top so I left Damascus at 8:00am. I’m an experienced rail trail rider having ridden more than a dozen Hall of Fame trails in the past two years. The trail conditions here are the worst I have ever experienced. The crushed gravel is covered with regular gravel over many of the miles which makes your bike harder to control. Hidden rocks partially protruding on the trail are a real danger to someone descending at more speed than they should while looking at scenery. The trail also has ruts from water runoff that are hard to negotiate. On the positive side going early meant that I encountered only one group of 8 going down. They looked to be experienced mountain bikers who slowed down and were courteous when we met on a rather narrow section. Other than that, I came across one other rider going up and two riders on e-bikes going down. Using an e-bike to ride down from White Top is actually a bit of an oxymoron. This trail conditions are suited for golf carts not bikes. I’ll never ride this trail again. In my opinion it is dangerous.
On a sunny fall mid-afternoon, I rode the section from Damascus to Abingdon. It’s a pleasant 34-mile round trip ride with a modest uphill grade to Abingdon. Overall, the trail is well maintained, unlike the section from Damascus to White Top. The first five miles are along the highway which is currently undergoing heavy construction which takes away from the scenery during those miles. The trail here is mostly in the sun and as a result is smooth double-track crushed gravel. Once away from the road and now along the river and through the woods the trail earns its reputation as a Hall of Fame trail with wide well-groomed crushed gravel surface, beautiful scenery, high trestles over flowing river. There is a bike repair station at Alvardo but no places to stop for refreshments. During our ride we encountered 20 other rides which is more than most trails I ride. Thirteen of them were on e-bikes which is by far the highest proportion of e-bikes I’ve come across. No wildlife other than 4 squirrels. Closer to Abingdon the trail becomes a quite a bit busier with walkers. We’ll be back again in the spring.
Wasn’t sure what to expect after reading the reviews, and heard that the entire trail was open. Rode my hybrid with 38 mm tires. First .6 mile was smooth, wide, asphalt. Surface changed to ballast , following natural grade , including roots, old rails and ties. and natural dirt single track. Did follow wooded setting .
I've had the privilege of enjoying many rides along The Mendota Trail, and each one has been an absolute delight. This trail offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty that never fails to leave me in awe.
The trail is accessible to all, making it a wonderful place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
We rode our EBikes from Abingdon to Damascus and back to Abingdon for a total of 32 miles. The trail is wide and very well maintained. It was mostly shady and we had a fantastic time looking at the gorgeous scenery. The trestles were wonderful. Everyone we encountered was very friendly. We stopped in Damascus at the park for a picnic-break. (Most restaurants were closed due to Labor Day). We’ve ridden from Whitetop to Damascus in the past but LOVED this part of the trail too. Mostly flat with some ups and downs but no problem on our e-bikes! We will definitely return!
We biked the trail September 3, 2023 and the center section was complete. We started in Bristol and enjoyed every mile. Shaded, gorgeous scenery, interesting areas to view and we loved the trestles. We were unsure how far the ride was so we turned around at mile 9 and returned to Bristol. This would be stunning with the leaves turning. We’ll be back!
The entire trail is finished! It’s super shady. We rode from Bristol to Mendota and back. Coming back it’s a steady climb for about 6 miles. Parts of it will beat you up without suspension. There’s a cute store/eatery on the Mendota side. On the Bristol side there are bathrooms that should open soon.
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