Find the top rated walking trails in Cornelius, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
Nice trail with more than 4 miles if you include gravel/dirt surface trails that wind through some pretty woods. Can be busy on the weekends especially on the paved portion of the trail.
I got to the southern end of this trail early Saturday to begin riding it. I should have read the other reviews. The parking area is closed. So I drove up the Carolina Place Mall area and started at the Hwy 51 crossing pedaling north. It was a GREAT ride! The trail was nice just about everywhere. There were a few spots with mud/sand from the creek flooding but not too bad. I made it about 8 miles up to Hillside Ave behind Park Road Shopping Center and then headed back. Next time I will start here and continue north. Eventually I will catch that southern part. My goal is to eventually bike the whole trail. So far it has been great.
The Yadkin River Greenway offers a pleasant dose of nature right in the middle of town. https://myfox8.com/spotlight/my-town/fox8-checks-out-the-wilkes-county-bike-tour/
-The unpaved Jefferson Turnpike section follows the path of an old log flume up the Reddies River. It's about two miles out-and-back. You'll find tall trees, a slow moving stream and plenty of peace and quiet on this stretch.
-The greenway's red section begins at Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro, tracing one of the Yadkin's faster flowing stretches. It's a great place to see waterfowl and wildflowers. It links to the green Mulberry Fields section that follows the Yadkin and Reddies Rivers from West Park to West D Street. A spur crosses the river and climbs up the route of an old carriage trail to downtown Wilkesboro. The Health Foundation has installed outdoor exercise equipment for adults at the West Park trail head. Smoot Park has restrooms, a pool and an inclusive playpark. All of these trails are paved with a soft shoulder for running. About six miles round-trip.
-The paved blue section runs along the Yadkin and Cub Creek from the YMCA to Wilkes Community College. About two miles round-trip.
The greenway system has grown over the years, and plans are underway for further expansion.
The finished parts are lovely and shaded. There are many segments in busy roads with no bike lanes or sidewalks.
This is a great greenway that we have found as an alternative to mountain biking in inclement weather, but do beware that it does flood leaving you meandering through thick soupy mud. We access from the Kirk Farm Field lot and head West. Look out for signs for the true Mallard Creek connection which will be on your left. I believe Toby Creek is first (on the left as well if you’re heading in from Kirk), then Mallard. I really wish they would just show them all on the map together. If you continue straight without turning you will simply do the Clark’s Greenway section which is easily added on for more mileage. All three greenways together will yield approximately 21 miles. See review on Toby Creek for warning about University City Blvd crossing.
I’m finally learning how to connect the seemingly never ending mess of greenways together to get decent mileage. I stumbled across Toby Creek when accessing the Mallard Creek greenway from the Kirk Farm parking lot. It’s a nice, albeit short, greenway that runs through the UNCC campus before hitting University Blvd. To keep this concise I will just say this - this section can be dangerous. We were met with a deranged man screaming expletives while menacingly holding a machete upon our return trip. He must have seen us cross the first time and waited in the woods for us to come back and got way too close for my comfort with that weapon. The police have been notified but please remain vigilant and carry something to protect yourself as I did have a hold time of almost 10 minutes when calling 911.
Trail parking is NOT available at the south end of this trail, marked on the trail map as 3190 Gilroy Rd, Fort Mill, SC. The parking lot has been blocked off by the subdivision it is located in.
Northern parts of the trail around Charlotte are under construction. Diversion signage is inadequate. Lots of 1" to 2" mud sections on Northern part of trail after some heavy rains.
Ran this trail for a 6 mile run. Beautiful, peaceful and lots of shade on a hot day. One of my favorite runs I’ve done. There are some good climbs as well.
So far this one has been our favorite! Love looking at the creek as it follows the path. The asphalt was well maintained and most of it is shaded. It has some cute artwork along the way. Riding into Charlotte/Freedom Park was pretty. We wish it was completed. And we had a hard time finding a place to stop to eat. We tried to get on at the trail head at Gilroy Drive (in a residential neighborhood) that was listed on the route map and found it chained off and picnic tables in the parking lot. If it is a private spot it should be listed as so on the map. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable ride!
Red and green connect and make for a 6 mile ride round trip. Ride is mostly along the river with a few side connections. Don't let the confusing TrailLink description discourage you, you can't get lost. There is no reason that I could figure out why these trails are color coded.
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