Find the top rated hike trails in Spruce Pine, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
My friends and I meet at Lions Field in Elizabethton and take a vehicle to the trailhead in Johnson City where we start our 4 miler. The trail is wide enough for runners, bikers and walkers to navigate past each other safely and easily. The trail is chat/gravel and from the JC trailhead, mostly a gentle downgrade. This portion of the trail is scenic; woods, countryside, stream. The last 6 miles of the trail traverse Elizabethton and are mostly urban. The trail is heavily used, especially on weekends, from dawn to dusk. We do this run weekly and it’s one of my favorite trails.
Started at Johnson City trailhead. Trail descends toward Elizabethton resulting a climb back to Johnson City. The trail surface is crushed stone which is not smooth like hard-packed stone dust, so is a rough ride for road bikes.
Started at the Hendersonville visitor center and headed out. Fill your water bottles and use the restrooms at this really nice visitor center! Very well marked trail with lots of safe crossings for the roads! Super wide super smooth asphalt so no issues bypassing pedestrians and other cyclists! Rode all the way to the end and found a pumpkin patch! Since we were on our bikes, I only purchased five small ones for two dollars each! We also stopped by the farm stand trail side, and got some of the best Golden delicious apples we’ve ever had! Beautiful rail trail……kudos to Hendersonville because there were 1000 people using it on this stunning Saturday! It has a brewery, playground, coffeehouse, Quik Mart, all on the side of the trail if you need anything. We really enjoyed the countryside! A winner for a Saturday early Fall bike ride!
We rode the full length of this trail and really enjoyed it. There is lots of shade through the woods. Signage was great and the views were wonderful. We got off our bikes and spent some time on the suspension bridge, so cool! The path is mostly crushed stone but there is a short stretch next to a hilly road where the rock used was rather large and we decided to just ride the road instead. Overall, a great ride!
This September weekend provided the opportunity to experience the Thermal Belt Trail, after learning of it several months ago. Wife, youngest son, & I had been looking forward to our first trip on this rail trail. We found a small campground near the northern terminus of the trail & planned our trip. The Thermal Belt was a very nice ride, a good mix of nature & urban corridor. We set out mid morning on Saturday 9/13 & got to Forest City around lunchtime & discovered the Copper Penny on Main Street, just a few blocks from the trail, as a great meal break. Following lunch, wife explored Forest City, while son & I completed the Thermal Belt to the southern endpoint. The only complaint I have to offer is the placement of bollards at every street crossing. Most of the bollards are a series of 2 side by side, rather than a single bollard, which seem to be the norm on most other rail trails that we've ridden. I was worried that my son, an adult with special needs would have an issue with the bollards. My concerns were realized during our return segment, when he struck one of the bollards with his trike bike, which overturned. Fortunately, he was unhurt and our ride continued. Not sure if the dual bollards were any more effective than singles, as there still seemed to be room for a vehicle to make its way onto the trail. We also were pleased to meet a Sheriff's vehicle patrolling along the trail during our ride. Trail is well paved & smooth & does have long slight uphill & downhill stretches, but not taxing at all. A very good time, we'll likely return
Nice wide paved asphalt (5 stars)—-but way too many crossings that interrupt your ride (0 stars).
We walked the trail and it was rather shady and comfortable. The trail was very active to be so new. Loved the Ecusta Brewery and the Market Cafe experience. The trail takes you past Elijah Mtn Gem Mine which would be a fun stop for the littles. I only made it half way as it was dusk but look forward to my next visit. Once you get further north and a bit more rural it was nice to see LP patrolling the trail for safety and awareness.
Did the Mendota to Benhams leg today 13 miles Traveled from Natural Tunnel State Park, and the ride over in the country was great all by itself. Beautiful countryside. The shade and scenery running alongside the creek was absolutely amazing! The signs were informative along the way and those stone benches!! Now that’s a lasting legacy! This route had us going uphill slightly to Benham’s and the ride down was just a coast! Loved it…..I put it up there with the Creeper trail for beauty. You can see all the work that’s been put into it along the way with the erosion controls and borders. Well done VA!
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
The Mendota Trail is a lovely extension of Rails-to-Trails! The original track route was built to haul coal. Today this trail provides scenic views from 17 trestles in 12.5 miles! The swinging bridge is my favorite part, but there is a parallel path that goes over a solid trestle for those who want something solid under their feet. My brother (a retired physician), bought several properties to secure the right-of-way for the trail. When some sections were contested, he stuck with it.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
_39900_st.jpg)
