Find the top rated atv trails in North Carolina, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Rode the trail today a few times back-and-forth back-and-forth to get a few miles in. Beautiful river with the roar of the water and the roar of the trucks on the highway. Leaves covering the trail in a few spots so it could be slippery. Great parking at both ends. We did take a rod on our second trip around and did a few casts the access spots, but didn’t get anything.
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
It’s a good trail to ride bikes and electric scooters and walk.
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.
It's so bumpy and jarring you cannot get a rhythm. Do not recommend
We did this trail 7.26.25. It is not maintained and is only suitable for mountain bikes. Rocks, roots, overhanging branches (some with thorns) and dangerous downhills with sharp turns at the bottom. Add to that sewage plant smells, insects and little signage. Look elsewhere.
Great trail for this first timer to the area. Arrived on a Saturday around 7:30am. Parking lot was starting to fill up quickly. Weather was humid, about 75 degrees. Felt safe as there were plenty of runners & cyclists on the path. Majority of the path is shaded, which was a blessing on this hotter than July weather. Police presence on the trail as well. A lovely couple was passing out cold water bottles, which was much appreciated. Would definitely visit this trail when visiting the area again.
It’s an okay path. Bicycling it’s quite bumpy. Bumpiest greenway of all the trails I’ve been on in the county.
Trail starts at the nearby school, has a park with swings for kids at the trail head. Paved, nicely maintained.
On 7/11 a storm came through and knocked a tree over.
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