This time we started and ended in Travelers Rest. Lots of dining options that are open later than the Swamp Rabbit. Makes it easier to plan an all day ride when you're not limited by the clock. Start of the trail was more crowded with walkers and younger riders. Once we got through the first mile or two, everyone spaced out. My only complaint is that many of the faster riders did not think it important to annouce themselves. This is not unique to the Swamp Rabbit Trail but just seems to be more common this year.

I use the bike trails in West Asheville several times a week, as they are relatively flat and run along the river. But the connections between stretches of trail can be dangerous. For example, if I want to ride from the new RAD trail toward Carrier Park, I must do so along a stretch of Amboy with no trail, nor even a road shoulder. (The only other option is to go under the bridge through French Broad Park, which is often muddy.) And if I want to continue in the RAD to Craven Street parking, I must cross the road where the trail suddenly is one way instead of side-by-side two way. Except for the stretch through RAD, a cyclist must contend with dog walkers and toddlers on tricycles. Bottom line: wear a helmet!

We rode end to end and back yesterday on our tandem. It’s a very nicely done trail and the pavement is smooth as silk. It’s probably not a destination trail, but if you’re in the area, you don’t want to miss it. There are plenty of places to grab a drink or a bit to eat. There is a bike shop in Spindale. The at-grade crossings are plentiful in a few of the towns, but we still managed a decent pace and the crossings were well marked and safe.

The Thermal Belt is a lovely trail, now with a smooth, 12' asphalt surface. It's the 2nd longest rail-trail in NC, after the American Tobacco Trail. The one caution: Be careful not to let your front wheel wander off the pavement. There's a 3" drop-off to loose gravel shoulders. Those shoulders slope away from the pavement. So your next destination is a ditch. If Rutherford County will build up the shoulders, then the Thermal Belt will become much safer.

Trail is marked open from dawn to dusk

We attempted to go along the trail to enjoy the bridge shown in the pictures but it was very apparent once arriving that it no longer exists. Not sure at which point it was dismantled but be prepared not to be able to go from one end of the trail to the other.

I parked at the Willis Rd YMCA. This paved path is a good mix of uphill, downhill, and flat. Plenty of shade. Adding mileage is easy if you cruise through the lovely neighborhoods along Willis Rd.

I met other people with kids trying to navigate crossing busy intersections with NO SIGNS PLEASE DO YOUR JOB PEOPLE PART OF WHICH IS KNOWING NOT Everyone is experienced trail followers. Would it really really hurt you to do your job and put signs especially when it’s dangerous.? It seems you can’t see outside your own experience level. Shame on you putting animals and children in danger because you are too short sighted to see the whole picture.

This was my first visit to Oklawaha. GPS took me to an entrance off 7th Avenue and 64 coming in from Asheville just across the road from Jackson Park proper. (I was told there is only about 1/4 mile of a paved path on that side, and then it is gravel.) There is a mix of walkers, with and without dogs, skateboarders, and bikers.

I was able to get right on the path and take it the entire way to Berkeley Mills Park. I did take the offshoot to Patton Park and then back onto the main trail.

For rollerblading, this was excellent! It hit all the markers; paved, mostly flat, clear of debris, well marked, and not overcrowded. The path follows Mud Creek, and there are several benches throughout to stop and sit. The entire route is beautiful and well maintained. A nice mix of open and shaded areas.

The end of the path near the Berkeley Park entrance goes uphill at about an 8% grade so coming back down was a fun shot! If you start at that end - be prepared.

Oklawaha will definitely be in my rotation of great places to skate.