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Print Friendly MapThe Mendota Trail will one day stretch the entire length of the former Southern Railroad corridor between Bristol and Mendota. Currently, 8 miles of the future 12.5 mile trail are open to the public. At present there are two segments. The northern two mile-long segment runs from Mendota to Little Wolf Run Rd. in rural Washington County. An additional 6 miles runs from a trailhead on Island Road in Bristol to a turn-around just beyond Wolf Run Rd. Cyclists, walkers and runners can use the dirt trail to wander into lush and tranquil natural areas, partly bordered by a river. Dogs are welcome too, though they must remain leashed. A VDOT swinging bridge runs parallel to the trail bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Holston River. The trail currently has a total of 6 restored trestles. Trail access is available in Benhams and Mendota. Bristol access is currently unavailable due to construction at the trailhead.
The trail is owned and maintained by a private nonprofit organization, the Mendota Trail Conservancy, Inc. Please make sure to utilize only the open portions of the trail; the rest of the corridor is closed to the public due to ongoing construction and unsafe conditions.
Park and enter the trail at the Mendota Trailhead located at Mendota Road & Civil Drive/614 at SR 802 (one acre tract between Mendota Baptist Church and Civil Dr.)
At the Bristol end, a large parking area can be accessed on Mountain Heritage Inc. property off Island Road next to I-81 and to the right of the building located at 1788 Island Road, Bristol, VA 24201 Or there is parking for a couple vehicles at 8662 Reedy Creek Road, Bristol Va 24202 (Intersection of 633/656 Haskell Station Roads) at the 3-mile point.
Please note the parking is NOT allowed at the Reedy Creek Road & Haskell Station Road.
Stopped at Bristol end and was under construction. Sign indicated we could go to Benhams and ride from that end. We drove to that end, rode the trail toward Bristol and in about a mile came to a gate with signs indicating trail was closed. Should take down the sign at Bristol Trail head and indicated it is closed instead.
We road the southern section from Belhems to Bristol VA. Just over 5 miles one way with 2 new trestle bridges near Belhems - one of each side. Steady climb up to the top midway then streaky climbs down to trailhead. One small section was added to the side of the road by cutting into the hill and it is a bit narrow. I would ride back up on the road, myself. Outside that the trail is wide and relatively smooth. Some grass. Glad the other sections were mainly froze. Today.
Walked the North end to where Trestle 16 was located. Beautiful area. I can't wait until the whole trail is done!!
A little on the rough side due to the larger gravel chunks, as well as pretty hilly! Not the smoothest ride but decent!
Great trail for all ages and riders. Will definitely be 5¿ when it's completed. Don't forget to stop by The Store @ Mendota.
If you are looking for a place to get away from the busy city the Mendota Trail is the place to go!
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