Find the top rated running trails in Duncan, 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.
There were a few spots if you wanted to have a seat otherwise just somewhere paved to get some steps in. There’s supposed to be some additions coming.
The 5-star reviews likely refer to the paved section at the Kings Mountain trailhead, which is an easy to moderate ride with a couple of hills and excellent amenities (restrooms, water, picnic tables). The town of Kings Mountain has done a great job maintaining this portion of the trail
The Foote Trail, however, is very challenging and I would not recommend it for biking. The surface is large, loose gravel, and diagonal railroad ties on the slopped portions make maintaining momentum difficult. The steep, rocky section along I-85 was especially tough—we had to walk our e-bikes both downhill and uphill.
Once you reach the bridge over the interstate, the trail improves significantly, becoming level with finely crushed gravel and very enjoyable to ride. The trail ends at Gilead Church Road, where there are no amenities.
Recommendation: Stick to the paved trail and the section south of I-85; skip the Foote Trail for biking.
Started at the Hendersonville visitor center and headed out. Fill your water bottles and use the restrooms at this really nice visitor center! Very well marked trail with lots of safe crossings for the roads! Super wide super smooth asphalt so no issues bypassing pedestrians and other cyclists! Rode all the way to the end and found a pumpkin patch! Since we were on our bikes, I only purchased five small ones for two dollars each! We also stopped by the farm stand trail side, and got some of the best Golden delicious apples we’ve ever had! Beautiful rail trail……kudos to Hendersonville because there were 1000 people using it on this stunning Saturday! It has a brewery, playground, coffeehouse, Quik Mart, all on the side of the trail if you need anything. We really enjoyed the countryside! A winner for a Saturday early Fall bike ride!
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
Such a peaceful walk and really cool spot
Nice wide paved asphalt (5 stars)—-but way too many crossings that interrupt your ride (0 stars).
We walked the trail and it was rather shady and comfortable. The trail was very active to be so new. Loved the Ecusta Brewery and the Market Cafe experience. The trail takes you past Elijah Mtn Gem Mine which would be a fun stop for the littles. I only made it half way as it was dusk but look forward to my next visit. Once you get further north and a bit more rural it was nice to see LP patrolling the trail for safety and awareness.
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.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
_226575_st.jpg)
_194549_st.jpg)
_56382_st.jpg)
