Find the top rated birding trails in Lenoir, 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.
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 trail is well maintained. You are mostly riding through town. The last 3-4 miles are a little sketchy. You are riding behind and in between factories. Nice ride overall if you’re just looking for somewhere to ride your bike.
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 bridge has been destroyed because the broad River overflowed after tropical storm Helene came through
Saturday afternoon ride on a bright November day. Surprisingly limited number of cyclists, walkers, runners, & strollers. Entered at Birkdale Village Trailhead. Congested area. Suggest trying Catawba Road instead. Shaded trail with elevation changes and some crossings.
I rode my bike on this trail last weekend. It was beautiful with the fall trees..there los a small in complete section. But otherwise it is a great greenway. The leaves were turning and so it looked beautiful!
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