Parking at the visitor center you walk down the hill through the field cross a foot bridge to reach the trail. Turning left the trail is paved and leveluntil you reach Old Town Rd. There the trail gets very much more strenuous. With a lot of hills which includes several steep stairs in the woods where most of the trail is dirt. You go through a lit tunnel under Silas Pkwy. The trail ends about 1/4 mile further at a locked private gate.

This is definitely a good trail for the jogger or biker or even if you are just looking for a random stroll. It is about a mile and a half long with pavement the whole way. There are a few little ponds that have ducks and there are benches scattered throughout. If you are bringing your dog with you on the trail, make sure you bring plenty of poop bags because there are no pet stations to clean up after your pooch. Birkdale Village is at the end of the trail so you can go catch a movie or something to eat.

90% shaded. 10-20 feet wide. Beautiful trail right along the water’s edge for most of the trail. 7+ miles , mostly flat, some hills. A couple of bathrooms, a couple of water fountains. Pedestrian dog and kid friendly. Lots of education signs along the way, that tell you about water , how to navigate downed trees, but also tell you how to bike up/down the hills safely. Recommend reading the bike instructions to small children. I think some of the short hills might be dangerous for them. Sand. Gravel. There were drain pipes under some parts of the trail to help prevent washouts , but I did ride over about a half-dozen small gulleys of washout. 6-to-12 inch gaps where you feel the bump bump. I rode on a beautiful day, but I suspect I would not have enjoyed the ride after a large rainfall. Lots of other things to do: playground, side trails to greenways, boat launching, and boat / kayak rentals (?), and fishing. Also, there was a zagster bike share option with a dozen bikes.

I've ran this trail several times while in the area. Dont know why I haven't written a review. 4.5 is a more fair rating. This is a very nice, paved and rather shaded trail. The lake and wildlife give some beautiful scenery while running or biking.
A couple small hills give an occasional challenge.
So as I always say, if in the area and want to get a couple miles in, head here. You'll enjoy your time.

It is a nice trail but the way it cross research parkway is dangerous in my opinion. It is after a turn and vehicles can’t see you crossing. Sometimes it is easier to ride on the road .

It could be a great way to move around downtown but the surface of the trail is broken and rough. For biking it is smoother to roll on the road that runs parallel to the road. I think if you were walking on it you would have to look down to make sure you don't trip over the broken surface.

love riding this trail. offers a mix of asphalt and gravel with a wine bar in the middle. what else can you ask for.

I have worked and walked on this trail multiple times. The EVTA has established trail on the old Elkin & Alleghany Railbed. From the downtown old Train Office on Main Street (now a boutique overnight stay accommodation) the trail courses 2.5+ miles one way approximating the original trail by beautiful dam waterfalls, alongside a trout stream, through a park with kids play equipment, view and read a host of multi-modal QR coded history and wildlife signs, a lot of benches along the way, a cool viewing deck over a large dam waterfall, rest stops, bridges of 140-ft and 178-ft, stream restoration projects by the hike, train inspired steel sculptures, gongs for kids and adults to ring, deep in the woods and wildflower meadows, great place to leash-walk your pets (please pick after your pet), very sparse litter if any, good trash system, bathroom at the end of the trail, adding a new 70 foot bridge spring 2019, nice railroad cuts, picnic tables, a 5.5 mile and growing mountain bike and hike trail along side the main trail, on the Mountains to Sea Trail route, etc. Come visit for a very nice walk and imagine the old steam engine chugging along. Enjoy the very friendly community and join the fun of building more trail to come.

We took the dogs for an out and back. 3 miles round trip, along the river. The trail was wet, but it’s obvious the folks here in Elkin are committed to trail development, restoration, and history. Great little spot!