Find the top rated birding trails in Hickory, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.
Difficult to get to by bicycle. Lots of narrow surrounding roads with no shoulder. Best to transport your bike there.
Very hilly. Currently has confusing detours. Not a bad trail. Good route from Cornelius down to Birkdale village. Slippery when wet!
I do this loop a couple times a week. It’s a series of greenways and residential roads forming a “loop”. Be prepared for some hills. I use an ebike so there are no issues. It does have a lot of wood bridges which can get slippery when it’s damp.
I’ve ridden this twice since Helene. Once last Fall and then again in March 2025. There isn’t much traffic since the road is closed at the bridge — which is about half way. Bikes can cross the bridge and ride around the road damage past the bridge. It would be 5 stars for scenery if it weren’t for the fact there are still cars — just fewer than normal. Helene was such a devastating storm. ¿¿Appalachia Strong!
The access and parking is still blocked off to outside visitors leaving nowhere to park without the risk of being towed. This seems wrong for an open greenway.
Wonderful trail, great signage, trail wasn't to busy. Stop by Grumpys if you have any bike needs. They are super friendly and have great accessories. Only improvement I would make is a restroom at each TH.
The reason for the 2 stars: It states there is parking located at 3190 Gilroy Dr (Indian Land) but the housing development blocked off the parking area and put in picnic tables! How is this ok when it’s supposed to be publicly accessible??? I took a pic, but I’m uncle to load it for the review.
The bridge has been destroyed because the broad River overflowed after tropical storm Helene came through
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