Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Salem, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.





The Dick & Willie Passage is a great trail, especially now that it is extended to 11 miles, 22 round trip. It has to be one of the smoothest trails in the area, aside from the short sidewalk connector. We usually park at the Liberty St trailhead. It has a full bathroom and sheltered picnic table with easy access to trail. Subtle long climb to the switchback, fun descend and cool, shaded ride by the river/creek. More facilities available at Smith River Sports Park
My wife and I rode from Marlinton to Cass and back on May 7. Trail surface was in good shape. Only saw one other biker all day long. We stayed at the Marlinton Motor Inn on Rt 55 the night before our ride, and got sandwiches for lunch on the trail at the Subway inside the Marathon gas station at the intersection of Rt 219 and Rt 39, where you cross the bridge to go into town. We rode about 48 miles round trip, which is a long ride for us, so we ate dinner in town at the Greenbrier Grill & Lodge, and decide to stay overnight in one of the rooms above the restaurant (the Lodge). Basic accomodations, but we were tired and wanted a meal, a hot shower, and a soft bed! We plan to come back to ride the rest of the trail.
Strava mileage 14.47. Great beginning, VERY confusing in the middle, great end. Signage in the middle like there is on the rest of the trail would have been super helpful.
Hands down our favorite trail. We’ve hiked the entire trail (not all at once) and biked it end to end, and no section ever disappoints—no matter the season.
An added bonus is the park’s occasional van tours. Options include routes from Cliffview to Foster Falls and from Foster Falls to Pulaski. These guided tours offer wonderful insight into the area’s history and the former rail line.
Be sure to check the park’s website for tour details.
We came to do a day ride starting at the south end. We were only able to go about 10 miles and then hit a bridge under construction so had to turn around. Sign said construction underway through 2026/2027.; so check route before you go. We did go to greenbrier Valley Brewery and ate at a farm to table in Lewisburg called Stardust. Good beer and amazing food mad. Worth the trip
Arrived in Blacksburg on the 12th and hopped on the trail by the Public Library in Blacksburg. The weather was a little cool, overcast and was lightly raining for mist of the ride. Trail conditions were great (asphalt & concrete) with decent signage. I love me a good greenway as much as the next person, but I was not expecting the steep hills. Most were easily passible, a couple of them we pushed the bikes up them. We’ll be better prepared the next time. The views in and around Blacksburg are excellent. Recommend this trail to all to see. Eat your Wheaties before you ride!
We started at the south end on 10/13 and ride to the Anthony Rd. Boat launch and returned to the south end. Great trail conditions, not too busy traffic-wise. Looking forward to our next trip to the region to pick up where we left off.
Great ride! Challenge was avoiding the walnuts that fall this time of year! We saw several deer. 2 bounced down the trail right in front of us! The weather was beautiful and the trail was fabulous!
As nice as the Greenbrier over in nearby WV. Great surface the whole way from Intervale to the northern end.
For my birthday today we biked from Galax to Fries. It was my first real trailhead ride and I loved it. Beautiful scenery to enjoy while on the trail. So many real breath taking views to enjoy during your ride.
Beautiful trail that follows an amazing, clear stream that begs to be fished. It is the water supply for Lewisburg.
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