Find the top rated mountain biking trails in North Carolina, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I'm fortunate to live within walking distance of the ATT. I walk or bike on it almost every day. Most of my mileage is on the southern half of the trail, south of Southpoint shopping mall. With that in mind here are my observations:
It doesn't have much dramatic scenery, but it does have and promote a sense of serenity along most of its length, which is all the more amazing when you consider that it cuts right through the busy RTP metropolitan area.
The trail is ALWAYS well maintained.
At the southern terminus of the trail, you can see that the rail bed continues, but is blocked by a barricade. Looking at the satellite photos of this area My fervent hope is that one day the rail-trail will be extended down this corridor.
As you would expect in an urban area, the trail can get overcrowded--especially on weekends.
4.5 is a more fair rating.
Ran entire length , 8 miles.
Good, paved trail. Mostly flat, a couple small hills for some challenges.
Scenary is very nice, especially the bridges at beginning or end, depending on where you start.
A few sight seeing spots are a highlight as well.
So once again, if looking to get in a couple miles, this would be a good choice.
We took the dogs for an out and back. 3 miles round trip, along the river. The trail was wet, but it’s obvious the folks here in Elkin are committed to trail development, restoration, and history. Great little spot!
Very pretty trail. Mostly wooded and follows a stream for most of the way. It's just shy of 3 miles round trip. I've heard there may be plans to extend it, hopefully that will happen.
Rode the Thermal Belt Trail in December 2018. This is a great trail, newly-paved for 13+ miles. We have hybrids but you could ride road bikes with no problem. We parked at Bechtler Mint Site and rode to the bridge at Hwy. 74. Perfect surface. Crossed a few roads but they are not big or busy. In that space we traveled through a number of small towns: Ruth, Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Florence. The only drawback is that I prefer countryside scenery. But the trail itself is awesome, with additional improvements to come!
Rode the Thermal Belt Trail in December 2018. This is a great trail, newly-paved for 13+ miles. We have hybrids but you could ride road bikes with no problem. We parked at Bechtler Mint Site and rode to the bridge at Hwy. 74. Perfect surface. Crossed a few roads but they are not big or busy. In that space we traveled through a number of small towns: Ruth, Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Florence. The only drawback is that I prefer countryside scenery. But the trail itself is awesome, with additional improvements to come!
Paving is now complete from Forest City near the bridge over US 74 to Gilkey. Feel free to take your road bike!
I've been living in Lincolnton a little over five years and am a frequent user of the Marsha H. Cloninger Rail-Trail. This is an easy trail for just about anyone looking for some exercise. There's about a hundred yards of fairly steep incline at the north end trailhead, but the rest of the 1.6 mile hike (3.2 miles both ways) is mostly level. The trail can be accessed or exited at several street intersections allowing hikers to do as much or as little of the trail as they desire. Several murals have been painted near the Main Street Tunnel in 2018 and hopefully the Art Council of Lincoln County will add more art.
This is a very Senior Citizen friendly trail. I love it
Nice walk, friendly people, limited parking but spots were open Only went 3 miles
Park in Clanton road transit lot and enjoy an easy, smooth ride to Morehead. Good ride with access to many great restaurants
the last 4.8 miles are being prepared for paving! Active construction was seen and good progress being made. When it is complete, it will be over 12 miles of smooth, new pavement.
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