Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Union, 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.
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
Such a peaceful walk and really cool spot
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
It was so fun for me and my friends on our surrons
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.
Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.
The flat and scenic trail has all the makings of a beautiful escape - river crossings, swamp bridges, railroad crossings and bridges and small town charm. Started in peak and at about mile 7.5 there was a large impassable tree across trail prohibiting full biking to prosperity. The trail is not "crushed stone" (would be great if it was) rather it is more like fist size rocks making it a pretty bumpy and painful ride in the saddle.
Not for someone who's not used to trails with no markers! My walk started off great and I started from Waxhaw, 7900 Prescott Glen Pkwy- beautiful walk but after walking a few miles there was a threat of rain so I turned around and obviously took a wrong path because nothing is marked! I walked out to a street hoping to find direction but it was pouring rain. I stopped to ask directions from a couple on their porch with young children and they said I was about 3 miles from where I parked and offered me a ride. These larger parks need trail markers because this was an experience I could have done without!
I have ridden many rail trails across the US. One of the things that I look for are access to water, bathrooms and food. This trail has it all! Warm spring day - lots of people & dogs out enjoying the trail with happy smiles. There are areas of downed trees on either side of the trail from the Hurricane damage but it doesn’t affect the trail at all. It is paved asphalt so there are “root humps” here and there but nothing terrible. Gentle inclines and declines. I enjoyed my ride!
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