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Print Friendly MapThe Elkin & Alleghany Rail-Trail is part of an effort to connect the rural town of Elkin with the nearby Stone Mountain State Park, utilizing the long-abandoned route of the historic Elkin & Alleghany short line railroad. While only a small segment of the trail is currently built, the existing trail provides a great opportunity to explore Elkin's history, as well as get in some exercise.
Starting at the southern end of the town's municipal park, the trail runs through the length of the park, which offers a wide variety of recreation activities such as swimming and tennis. Parallel to the trail is the Big Elkin Creek, a body of water that (along with the railroad) played an important part in Elkin's industrial past. Past the park, the trail continues along the creek and heads into a densely wooded and tranquil landscape, offering a useful means for birdwatchers to catch a glimpse of their targets. Crossing over the creek via a new pedestrian bridge, the trail continues north, going under the nearby state highway, before coming to an end at the town reservoir.
The local trails organization hopes to soon install interpretive signs along the trail, as well as a new bridge at the current endpoint, as they work on extending it into the hills leading up to Stone Mountain. Those looking for a glimpse into the town's history, or those just looking for a relaxing place for a hike, should be sure to keep the Elkin & Alleghany in mind.
Parking is available right next to the southern trailhead, as well as in the municipal park.
To reach the trail from out of town, take I-77 towards Elkin, and take exit 82. Head west towards the town on State Route 67, and proceed for several miles. Take a left onto Elm Street, followed by a right onto W Main/Bridge Street to cross the Yadkin River. Continue on Bridge Street, then take a left onto Market Street. Turn right onto Front Street, and you will see the trailhead on the left side of the road.
I have worked and walked on this trail multiple times. The EVTA has established trail on the old Elkin & Alleghany Railbed. From the downtown old Train Office on Main Street (now a boutique overnight stay accommodation) the trail courses 2.5+ miles one way approximating the original trail by beautiful dam waterfalls, alongside a trout stream, through a park with kids play equipment, view and read a host of multi-modal QR coded history and wildlife signs, a lot of benches along the way, a cool viewing deck over a large dam waterfall, rest stops, bridges of 140-ft and 178-ft, stream restoration projects by the hike, train inspired steel sculptures, gongs for kids and adults to ring, deep in the woods and wildflower meadows, great place to leash-walk your pets (please pick after your pet), very sparse litter if any, good trash system, bathroom at the end of the trail, adding a new 70 foot bridge spring 2019, nice railroad cuts, picnic tables, a 5.5 mile and growing mountain bike and hike trail along side the main trail, on the Mountains to Sea Trail route, etc. Come visit for a very nice walk and imagine the old steam engine chugging along. Enjoy the very friendly community and join the fun of building more trail to come.
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!
This trail is currently under construction. However, the trail is pretty nice and there is a beginner level mountain biking trail off of the main trail. It is easier to see on your way back. It will be on the left before you get back to the first large bridge. Also, the parking is free parking
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