Highlands, NC Running Trails and Maps

223 Reviews

Looking for the best Running trails around Highlands?

Find the top rated running trails in Highlands, 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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Activities
Length
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Type
18 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

153 Extension Trail

1.2 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Bill and Dustie MacKay Trail

1.7 mi
State: GA
Asphalt, Dirt

Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail

2.5 mi
State: SC
Boardwalk, Dirt, Woodchips

Doodle Rail Trail

8.5 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Nantahala Bikeway

1.2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Oconaluftee River Trail

1.5 mi
State: NC
Dirt

Oklawaha Greenway

3.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

28 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Estatoe Trail

5.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Gravel

French Broad River Greenway

3.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Little Tennessee River Greenway

4.9 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Gatlinburg Greenway

0.4 mi
State: TN
Asphalt

Cleveland Park Spur

1.2 mi
State: SC
Concrete

East West Parkway Trail

3 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Concrete

Gatlinburg Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

1.3 mi
State: TN
Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Green Crescent Pedestrian Bridge

0.4 mi
State: SC
Concrete

Patrick Square Lake Loop

0.6 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

YMCA Connector

0.7 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Gravel
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The 153 Extension Trail is a short, paved sidepath in the eastern outskirts of Easley, South Carolina. The biking and walking pathway was built in 2020 as part of a road extension project, allowing...
SC 1.2 mi Asphalt
The Bill and Dustie MacKay Trail (also known as the Shortline Trail) spins a short, smooth circuit through Tallulah Gorge State Park. From its trailhead beside Tallulah Falls Lake, the 1.7-mile paved...
GA 1.7 mi Asphalt, Dirt
This moderately difficult walk follows the bed of railroad that was never completed—the America Civil War got in the way of SC Statesman John C. Calhoun's rail dream. They did get as far as starting...
SC 2.5 mi Boardwalk, Dirt, Woodchips
Overview The Doodle Rail Trail connects the towns of Pickens and Easley in the northwest corner of South Carolina. The paved trail follows a former railbed for 8.5 miles and includes two wooden...
SC 8.5 mi Asphalt
The 1.2-mile Nantahala Bikeway extends from National Forest Rd./Winding Stairs Rd. to the Nantahala Gorge raft launch site in the Nantahala National Forest. A half-mile of the trail follows an...
NC 1.2 mi Asphalt
The Oconaluftee River Trail is a popular 3 mile out-and-back trail along the banks of the river of the same name. The popular gravel trail is one of two in the Smokey Mountains National Park that...
NC 1.5 mi Dirt
For lovers of outdoors, the Oklawaha Greenway presents a natural escape in an otherwise suburban setting.  The greenway trails Mud Creek for a big part of its length, beginning its northwesterly...
NC 3.5 mi Asphalt
Overview With the perfect mix of cityscapes and natural views, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a Southern gem. The trail was named for the former Greenville and Northern Railroad, nicknamed...
SC 28 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Estatoe Trail is a relatively flat trail, spanning just over 5 miles. About 1 mile (northwest end) follows the old Carr Lumber Company railway corridor and extends into the Pisgah National Forest...
NC 5.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Gravel
The French Broad River Greenway links three of Asheville's parks: Hominy Creek River Park, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park. The trail follows the river, coursing through a wooded strip of...
NC 3.5 mi Asphalt
Overview From woods to wetlands to meadows, the 4.9-mile Little Tennessee River Greenway passes through a variety of habitats as it follows the scenic banks of the Little Tennessee River. Part of...
NC 4.9 mi Asphalt
Overview The Gatlinburg Greenway is the city’s first and only greenway. Currently 0.4 miles long, it is already quite popular. It is fully paved and ADA compliant.  About the Route Currently,...
TN 0.4 mi Asphalt
This 1.2 mile paved path meanders through Greenville's Cleveland Park, following Richland Creek and providing access to the downtown recreation area's various features. The trail surface is smooth...
SC 1.2 mi Concrete
The East West Parkway Trail is an asphalt sidepath trail that runs for three miles along its namesake roadway in the northern reaches of Anderson, South Carolina. Unlike many sidepath trails, which...
SC 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Starting along River Rd in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Trail travels 1.3 miles along the Little Pigeon River. This trail provides park visitors and Gatlinburg locals with a connection between the...
TN 1.3 mi Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt
This pedestrian bridge, the Green Crescent Bridge, is in the City of Clemson and first opened in 2017 as part of a joint effort between the city, Friends of the Green Crescent and Clemson Elementary...
SC 0.4 mi Concrete
This 12-ft wide paved trail encircles the fresh-water Patrick Square Lake and continues alongside Eighteenmile Creek through a wooded area to Nettles Park. A bridge over the creek connects the loop to...
SC 0.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
The YMCA Connector Trail, also known as the Caine Halter Family YMCA Connector Trail, is a paved multi-use .7-mile loop that encircles the local YMCA and its facilities. Perfect for a short run, walk...
SC 0.7 mi Asphalt, Gravel

Recent Trail Reviews

153 Extension Trail

sweet short little connector

May, 2024 by bettiwilkinson1

Short little connector to Main Street

Gatlinburg Greenway

Don't bother

April, 2024 by jme_cox

This is a 0.3 mile long, 8' wide asphalt paved offset 50' and parallel to a public road. To call this a "greenway" is a bit silly.

Oklawaha Greenway

Really enjoyed riding here. Wish the one big road crossing wasn't as daunting but overall a great trail with several parks to visit! Will def come back

March, 2024 by zekecarsella

Really enjoyed riding here. Wish the one big road crossing wasn't as daunting but overall a great trail with several parks to visit! Will def come back

Accordion

Doodle Rail Trail

Hilly, not crowded

March, 2024 by woodencanoe1

This was my third ride on the Doodle trail. It is hillier than the Greenville Swamp Rabbit trail, and much less crowded. Good bathrooms at each end, and a nice store at the Pickens end that serves sandwiches and craft beers in cans and bottles.

Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

This trail offers endless wonderful opportunities…

December, 2023 by trishabunnie

One of Greenville’s best points of interest, I ride it often and every time I make new friends. Absolutely beautiful trail and it has so much to offer!! Hopefully the rail bed from Campobello SC through historical Landrum SC and TRYON NC to Saluda NC will come to fruition soon. That would be amazing!! ¿¿

Little Tennessee River Greenway

excellent greenway

October, 2023 by tinalivingston108

Graveled roads as well as paved. Reminded me of the creeper as well as Chattanooga greenway combined. I would recommend this greenway …absolutely gorgeous!! Wish it could be longer. We rode 11 miles, but it’s so beautiful, you could ride it twice.

Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

excellent greenway

October, 2023 by tinalivingston108

Excellent trail. Best time to ride is during the week.

Doodle Rail Trail

great trail

September, 2023 by dvdestefano

Decently maintained. Gorgeous views. There’s a spot with some art work painted on the ground (near the cemetery). Both trailheads have bathrooms and a park. Few bumpy areas where ya definitely want two hands on the “wheel.”

Little Tennessee River Greenway

Nice Trail

August, 2023 by heathersmith_tl

9 miles out and back. If you do the circle at the end, you can get to 10. Mostly paved with some gravel/dirt sections. But beware! Several areas where it looks like it might be easier but you end up in a parking lot or dead end and have to go back.

Doodle Rail Trail

Well maintained & simple rail trail

August, 2023 by m.p.schneider.lc

A pretty straightforward rail trail that is paved, is kept up so there are no unpleasant bumps, and has parking at either end.

Much of it is well-shaded, and the scenery is nice.

It has more road crossings than some others, but there is likely no way to change that. Also 8 miles is not super long compared to some others.

I drove a little out of my way driving from Charlotte to Atlanta & may make the same stop in the future as I drive that regularly.

Estatoe Trail

pleasant ride

August, 2023 by jwweinberg

This is a relatively easy out and back totaling about 10 miles. I started on the south end and parked in the church parking lot just across the street from the trail head. Trailhead marked with signs and easy to find. There are a couple of hazardous street crossings. Even when using the pedestrian crossing buttons be very alert and cautious because the A-holes there either are not aware that turning vehicles are supposed to yield to pedestrians or they don’t cate.Do not attempt this ride on a road bike.The last 2 miles are on gravel and dirt trails.ordon’tthatca

Nantahala Bikeway

green and serene!

July, 2023 by vkgtpfzrgr

mellow, beautifully paved and short trail perfect after a long drive on winding roads. Good place to watch the ww rafters start their adventure. Next time, we plan to join!

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