Shelby, NC Running Trails and Maps

310 Reviews

Looking for the best Running trails around Shelby?

Find the top rated running trails in Shelby, 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
Surfaces
Type
61 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Antiquity Greenway

0.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway

1.9 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Caldwell Station Creek Greenway

2.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Catawba River Greenway

3.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

City Walk

2.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

City of Lenoir Greenway

7 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Duncan Park Trail

1 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Concrete

Heritage Trail Greenway

1.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

4.3 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

19.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways

5.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Gravel

Lyman Rail Trail

0.5 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Mallard Creek Greenway

4.66 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail

1.7 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

McDowell Creek Greenway

1.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Piedmont Medical Center Trail

3.35 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Point Lookout Trail

3.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Purple Martin Greenway

3.2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

River Birch Trail

1.1 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Gravel
Accordion

Shelby Rail-Trail

1.5 mi
State: NC
Dirt

South Fork Rail-Trail

2 mi
State: NC
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Statesville Greenway Trail

6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

13.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Torrence Creek Greenway

1.9 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Baxter Village Trail

3.3 mi
State: SC
Dirt, Grass, Sand

Briar Creek Greenway

1.4 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Charlotte Rail Trail

3.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Brick, Concrete

Cleveland Park Trails

1.5 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Concrete

Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways

2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

McAlpine Creek Greenway

4.4 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Peavine Trail

1.5 mi
State: NC
Crushed Stone, Grass

Toby Creek Greenway

2.7 mi
State: NC
Boardwalk, Concrete

Twelve Mile Creek Trail

6 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Highland Rail Trail

1.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Troutman Rail-Trail

1 mi
State: NC
Concrete

Wadsworth Trail

2.8 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Waterford Trail

1.5 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt

Southport Road Path

3 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Concrete

York Bicycle Trail

1 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Bailey Road Multi-Use Path

2.33 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Bessemer City Park Trail

1.3 mi
State: NC
Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt

Butterfly Branch Greenway

0.5 mi
State: SC
Concrete

Campbell Creek Greenway

1.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Clark's Creek Greenway

2.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Cottonwood Trail (SC)

1.25 mi
State: SC
Dirt

Croft Passage (Palmetto Trail)

12.6 mi
State: SC
Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt

Drayton Mills Trail (Palmetto Trail)

2 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Concrete

Emerald Necklace

13 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Four Mile Creek Greenway (Town of Matthews)

2.3 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Glendale Shoals Trail

0.6 mi
State: SC
Dirt

Liberty Trail (Palmetto Trail)

0.6 mi
State: SC
Concrete

Pacolet Nature Trail

0.9 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Plum Creek Greenway

0.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

South Prong Rocky River Greenway

2.2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Three Creeks Trail (SC)

1.2 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

West Branch Rocky River Greenway

2.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Wetland Trail

0.5 mi
State: SC
Boardwalk

Yadkin River Trail

2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Dirt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Antiquity Greenway is a half-mile segment of the Town of Cornelius' growing collection of multiuse paths and is part of the trail loop called the Emerald Necklace. The paved trail begins on Zion...
NC 0.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
The Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway has several neighborhood entrances in Gastonia. The 1.9-mile trail winds alongside Catawba Creek and Avon Creek with a few small bridges crossings along the way....
NC 1.9 mi Asphalt
Caldwell Station Creek Greenway is 2.6 miles of paved, smooth multiuse trail through the woods and wetlands of Cornelius. The trail is a local treasure, popular with locals for a workout in nature, as...
NC 2.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene, the Catawba River Greenway is closed. The Catawba River Greenway meanders, along with its river namesake, through the historic town of Morganton, North...
NC 3.8 mi Asphalt
The City Walk is part of the Hickory Trail network and provides an important off-road route through downtown Hickory. From its eastern end on 8th Street by Lenoir-Rhyne University, the trail heads...
NC 2.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The City of Lenoir Greenway is a system of several loops and endpoints meandering through an urban landscape of parks and open areas, recreation centers, the library and wooded tracts. For more...
NC 7 mi Asphalt
The trail extends from the dam at Duncan Park Lake and courses through the park to near Union Street by the baseball stadium. The path is a gradual hill (up or down, depending on your direction of...
SC 1 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Heritage Trail Greenway is a multiuse path in Newton, North Carolina. The first two phases of the trail are complete, stretching 1.5 miles from West 7th Street, winding through the wooded...
NC 1.5 mi Asphalt
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is situated in a beautiful natural park setting offering a picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking. Much of the park is heavily wooded and the trail is...
NC 4.3 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Overview The Little Sugar Creek Greenway runs through eastern Charlotte and stretches for more than 19 miles down to the Catawba River in neighboring South Carolina. The trail is a beautiful urban...
NC 19.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
On the southern outskirts of Charlotte, a series of connected greenways along creeks form a horseshoe-shaped path of nearly 6 miles. The pathway is primarily paved with wooden boardwalks over creeks...
NC 5.8 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Gravel
The first phase of this rail trail opened in April 2017 and provides safe and convenient pedestrian access to Lyman’s commercial center. While it is new, it is already fairly well-used. The trail...
SC 0.5 mi Asphalt
The Mallard Creek Greenway is a scenic multiuse trail located in Mecklenburg County and winds its way through lush woodlands, alongside picturesque creeks, and through peaceful residential...
NC 4.66 mi Asphalt, Gravel
The Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail, known locally as the Lincolnton Rail-Trail, offers a chance to explore the heart of this small Southern town, highlighted by a stately courthouse, model Main...
NC 1.7 mi Asphalt
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 1.9 mi Asphalt
About 12 miles north of Charlotte, the McDowell Creek Greenway links the communities of Huntersville and Cornelius and is included in the Emerald Necklace trail loop. The paved, 1.6-mile route is also...
NC 1.6 mi Asphalt
Following the Catawba River, the Piedmont Medical Center Trail (formerly the Riverwalk) stretches 3.35 miles through Rock Hill near the border between North and South Carolina. The route is part of...
SC 3.35 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
Closure notice: The Point Lookout Trail is temporarily closed. Overview Located approximately 25 miles east of the vibrant city of Asheville, the Point Lookout Trail offers visitors the...
NC 3.6 mi Asphalt
Closure notice: The southern section of the Purple Martin Greenway is currently blocked by numerous hazards, making the trail impassable south of Skyline Drive. Please only use the trail between...
NC 3.2 mi Asphalt
Constructed in 1981 as the city of Spartanburg's first mixed-use trail, the River Birch Trail was in rough shape, with vegetation overgrowing the route and the surface cracked and failing, until the...
SC 1.1 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Accordion
Closure Notice: The suspension bridge over First Broad River is temporarily closed due to flooding. Please check with local news authorities before heading out on the trail. Shelby's rail-trail...
NC 1.5 mi Dirt
Closure notice: Trails on Catawba Lands Conservancy Preserves temporarily closed. Due to storm impacts from Hurricane Helene, all segments of Thread Trail located on Catawba Lands Conservancy...
NC 2 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Statesville’s greenway system is still a collection of unlinked segments, but there are plans in place to build a truly connected non-motorized path network. Today, the discrete sections offer a...
NC 6 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene, miles 0-4.5 are CLOSED until further notice. Please consult the trail manager's updates for more information. Overview The Thermal Belt Rail Trail lies...
NC 13.6 mi Asphalt
Torrence Creek Greenway offers a pleasant route through meadows, woodlands, and wetlands south of Huntersville. Along the paved, 1.4-mile route, the trail offers many points to access the surrounding...
NC 1.9 mi Asphalt
The Baxter Village Trail is nestled in a neighborhood of Fort Mill, which lies on the northern border of South Carolina (Charlotte, North Carolina, is just over the state line). The trail has a...
SC 3.3 mi Dirt, Grass, Sand
Briar Creek Greenway will one day stretch 6 miles through Charlotte and connect to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Currently, the trail is open in two disconnected segments totaling 1.4 miles. The...
NC 1.4 mi Asphalt
Overview Once no more than a humble maintenance path along a trolley line, the Charlotte Rail Trail now offers a vibrant pathway extending 3.5 miles from Charlotte’s Center City to the South End....
NC 3.5 mi Asphalt, Brick, Concrete
Explore Cleveland Park via its paved trails that wind through the trees and fields, connecting the park's facilities and amenities.  The park includes the John B. Cleveland Event Center, picnic...
SC 1.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways cover 2 miles of trail alongside their namesake creeks in Charlotte's city center. The Irwin Creek Greenway begins at Ray's Splash Planet and travels...
NC 2 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
The McAlpine Creek Greenway is a picturesque 4.4-mile trail that runs through a lush green corridor in south Charlotte. Following the McAlpine Creek through woods and wetlands, this multiuse...
NC 4.4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Peavine Trail runs for 1.5 miles from State Street in downtown Marion, North Carolina to just south of the First Christian Church on Rutherford Road. Construction of the crushed gravel and grass...
NC 1.5 mi Crushed Stone, Grass
Running between Mallard Creek Greenway and Rocky River Road, the Toby Creek Greenway provides an important connection with the University of North Carolina's Charlotte campus.  The paved, multiuse...
NC 2.7 mi Boardwalk, Concrete
The Twelve Mile Creek Trail, which runs northeast from Walnut Creek Park over the South Carolina/North Carolina state line to Waxhaw, is part of the Carolina Thread Trail—a growing trail network of...
SC 6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
Highland Rail Trail is named for the neighborhood that it runs adjacent to as it travels through Gastonia along the former Carolina and Northwestern (C&NW) Railway. Although short, it offers an...
NC 1.6 mi Asphalt
The 1-mile Troutman Rail-Trail runs from Troutman's business district to a newer north end shopping area, following the former rail bed of the Statesville to Charlotte Norfolk Southern Line. The...
NC 1 mi Concrete
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 2.2 mi Dirt
The Wadsworth Trail parallels Willis Road from Harmon Drive to Hawk Creek Drive, with a spur heading south along SR 42-4382/Caldwell Drive. The Willis Road portion is 1.85 miles (one way), while the...
SC 2.8 mi Asphalt
The Waterford Trail is a 1.5-mile segment of the Carolina Thread Trail, a system of trails and greenways in the Carolinas. Beginning by the River Park kayak/canoe launch, the wooded trail meanders...
SC 1.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt
Southport Road Path follows the south side of Southport Road from Cedar Springs Road to South Avenue. Heading west from Cedar Springs Road, the multi-use path passes the 295 Sports Complex, a DMV...
SC 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
In northern South Carolina, only about 30 miles southwest of Charlotte, lies the quaint city of York. A paved bicycle trail runs through the heart of the community from its city park to its recreation...
SC 1 mi Asphalt
The Bailey Road Multi-Use Path links Caldwell Station Greenway with the Plum Creek Greenway, which connects to the South Prong Rocky River Greenway. A portion of this multiuse pathway—from where...
NC 2.33 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Beginning less than half a mile from downtown, the Bessemer City Park Trail offers a quiet natural retreat. The 1.3-mile route begins at the basketball court in Bessemer City Park and quickly dives...
NC 1.3 mi Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt
Part of an expansive revitalization effort that the city of Spartanburg has undertaken to improve the economic and ecological well-being of the Northside neighborhood, the Butterfly Branch Greenway...
SC 0.5 mi Concrete
The Campbell Creek Greenway is a 1.8-mile paved trail that runs through Mecklenburg County in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. The greenway is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including...
NC 1.8 mi Asphalt
Clark's Creek Greenway is a beautiful trail located in the city of Charlotte. It spans a total distance of 2.5 miles and is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and locals out with their...
NC 2.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel
A natural-surface trail that runs through the gorgeous Edwin M. Griffin Preserve just outside the center of Spartanburg, the Cottonwood Trail offers a lovely path into the wooded landscape surrounding...
SC 1.25 mi Dirt
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 12.6 mi Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 2 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Emerald Necklace is a developing 13-mile trail loop of greenways and multiuse paths in the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville. The route makes use of portions of the Caldwell Station...
NC 13 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Following its namesake waterway, the Four Mile Creek Greenway connects downtown Matthews, Squirrel Lake Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods in the Town of Matthews. A joint project between the...
NC 2.3 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
Located in the quiet, rural outskirts of Spartanburg, SC, the Glendale Shoals Trail provides a lovely path for visitors to explore some of the natural beauty of the area. The natural-surface trail...
SC 0.6 mi Dirt
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 0.6 mi Concrete
The Pacolet Nature Trail is a paved trail in the quiet rural community of Pacolet, located along the banks of the Pacolet River. The trail matches the sleepy nature of the town, providing trail users...
SC 0.9 mi Asphalt
Part of the Emerald Necklace trail loop, the Plum Creek Greenway is a short, paved multiuse trail in Cornelius, North Carolina, that is suitable for walking and biking. It's a pleasant neighborhood...
NC 0.6 mi Asphalt
Closure notice: Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant damage across the state, the Palmetto Trail will be closed until further notice. Please visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more...
SC 0.75 mi Crushed Stone
As its name suggests, this multiuse path travels along the South Prong of the Rocky River in Davidson, Mecklenburg County. The South Prong Rocky River Greenway is included in the trail loop called...
NC 2.2 mi Asphalt
Notice: PAL and volunteers are working to clear the trail in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Three Creeks Trail adds about a mile to Spartanburg's growing network of trails, christened the...
SC 1.2 mi Asphalt
This trail follows alongside the West Branch of the Rocky River in Davidson, NC and is a part of the Carolina Thread trails complex. The greenway offers a refreshing walk or ride into nature, passing...
NC 2.8 mi Asphalt
The Wetland Trail is a .4-mile meander through River Park toward the Catawba River. Beginning by the segment of Quality Circle that starts as Keith Drive, the trail continues as an elevated boardwalk...
SC 0.5 mi Boardwalk
The multi-use Yadkin River Trail accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists and joggers in the beautiful Happy Valley area of Caldwell County. The 2-mile trail is paved and includes a walking loop near the...
NC 2 mi Asphalt, Dirt

Recent Trail Reviews

South Fork Rail-Trail

Pretty

September, 2024 by sewupscalequilts

My husband and I were looking for a trail that was flat but in the woods. My husband recently has knee replacement surgery and he was able to walk easily on this trail. For this trip, we only went partway but next time, hopefully, he’ll be able to go further. It was so pretty and the history of the renovated mill is very interesting. I want to add that if you are south bound on 321, after you exit, turn right. The rest of the directions are great.

McAlpine Creek Greenway

more than 4 miles

September, 2024 by burgess827

Nice trail with more than 4 miles if you include gravel/dirt surface trails that wind through some pretty woods. Can be busy on the weekends especially on the paved portion of the trail.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Good trail........ beautiful. A little questionable which way to go sometimes though

September, 2024 by wcsmarr

One thing that must be improved. Rode it the first time today. It's not completely confusing but it's not totally clear which way you go at turns, street crossings..... maybe it's the road painted green... duh... but it's still not quite clear. Great job overall. How about some green arrows on surface showing direction ?

Accordion

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Southern point parking is closed. But amazing trail!

September, 2024 by craig266

I got to the southern end of this trail early Saturday to begin riding it. I should have read the other reviews. The parking area is closed. So I drove up the Carolina Place Mall area and started at the Hwy 51 crossing pedaling north. It was a GREAT ride! The trail was nice just about everywhere. There were a few spots with mud/sand from the creek flooding but not too bad. I made it about 8 miles up to Hillside Ave behind Park Road Shopping Center and then headed back. Next time I will start here and continue north. Eventually I will catch that southern part. My goal is to eventually bike the whole trail. So far it has been great.

Point Lookout Trail

Nice Greenway!

August, 2024 by warpspeedz

Beautiful greenway. Lightly traveled. We did up first then down on our bikes.

Mallard Creek Greenway

Nice Greenway - Can Flood

July, 2024 by dianac323

This is a great greenway that we have found as an alternative to mountain biking in inclement weather, but do beware that it does flood leaving you meandering through thick soupy mud. We access from the Kirk Farm Field lot and head West. Look out for signs for the true Mallard Creek connection which will be on your left. I believe Toby Creek is first (on the left as well if you’re heading in from Kirk), then Mallard. I really wish they would just show them all on the map together. If you continue straight without turning you will simply do the Clark’s Greenway section which is easily added on for more mileage. All three greenways together will yield approximately 21 miles. See review on Toby Creek for warning about University City Blvd crossing.

Toby Creek Greenway

Beautiful But Short / Use Caution At University Crossing

July, 2024 by dianac323

I’m finally learning how to connect the seemingly never ending mess of greenways together to get decent mileage. I stumbled across Toby Creek when accessing the Mallard Creek greenway from the Kirk Farm parking lot. It’s a nice, albeit short, greenway that runs through the UNCC campus before hitting University Blvd. To keep this concise I will just say this - this section can be dangerous. We were met with a deranged man screaming expletives while menacingly holding a machete upon our return trip. He must have seen us cross the first time and waited in the woods for us to come back and got way too close for my comfort with that weapon. The police have been notified but please remain vigilant and carry something to protect yourself as I did have a hold time of almost 10 minutes when calling 911.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

South End Trail Parking Not Available

July, 2024 by rmcinc4566

Trail parking is NOT available at the south end of this trail, marked on the trail map as 3190 Gilroy Rd, Fort Mill, SC. The parking lot has been blocked off by the subdivision it is located in.
Northern parts of the trail around Charlotte are under construction. Diversion signage is inadequate. Lots of 1" to 2" mud sections on Northern part of trail after some heavy rains.

Piedmont Medical Center Trail

Great for running!!!

July, 2024 by blueheatbasketball

Ran this trail for a 6 mile run. Beautiful, peaceful and lots of shade on a hot day. One of my favorite runs I’ve done. There are some good climbs as well.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Little Sugar Creek Trail

July, 2024 by amy2paul

So far this one has been our favorite! Love looking at the creek as it follows the path. The asphalt was well maintained and most of it is shaded. It has some cute artwork along the way. Riding into Charlotte/Freedom Park was pretty. We wish it was completed. And we had a hard time finding a place to stop to eat. We tried to get on at the trail head at Gilroy Drive (in a residential neighborhood) that was listed on the route map and found it chained off and picnic tables in the parking lot. If it is a private spot it should be listed as so on the map. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable ride!

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Bike/Trike Riders

July, 2024 by amy2paul

We were camping at Yogi Bear Resort in Bostic, NC and drove m trike and husband’s bike to the trail. It is a very nice trail, with well maintained, wide asphalt paths. More than half is shaded and through nature with the other parts parallelling roads and shops. You cross several roads but the crossings are well marked and almost everyone stopped to let us cross even when they had the right of way. Very enjoyable ride.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Very Enjoyable. Perfect for us. 65 years old

June, 2024 by wpatterson1

June 22, 2024 92 degrees Rode e-bike. Parked at Forrest Hunt School lot. Path was very wide and smooth. Great markings for traffic. Restroom and water on the trail. Lots of shade! Several restaurants along the main road. Mile 1 or north, is more rural. Some pretty views of the mountains. We enjoyed it and will be back again.

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