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Print Friendly MapShelby's rail-trail winds through the western edge of the city between West Grover Street and Dixon Boulevard. Following the former right-of-way of Norfolk Southern Railroad, the unpaved pathway offers a wooded experience through nature. A highlight of the route is its suspension bridge over the First Broad River.
The trail is part of a larger network called the Carolina Thread Trail, which spans 15 counties in North and South Carolina.
There is now a gravel road access of West Grover Street, and a large attractive sign saying "First Broad River Trail." There is a large gravel parking lot, with a concrete handicap unload area, with a paved access to the trail head.
Pretty trail but you can hear traffic noise for most of the time. Part of the time it is not very loud. The suspension bridge is fun but it does bounce a lot so if you have balance issues, it could be a problem.
Suspension bridge is a unique feature— easy, mostly flat trail, by the water, unpaved. Lots of bridges. Cool rock formations in the water, and small dam-like water fall.
We attempted to go along the trail to enjoy the bridge shown in the pictures but it was very apparent once arriving that it no longer exists. Not sure at which point it was dismantled but be prepared not to be able to go from one end of the trail to the other.
Trail is currently closed d/t past flood damage
This trail has a lot of pros but one big con. Pros are: extremely well maintained (hats off to those maintaining it), no big inclines which is great if you have joint pain like I do, freakin' AWESOME. suspension bridge, beautiful walnut trees and blackberry bushes, trail follows river so nice views of that. Con: noise from highway can be heard during nearly the entire hike. This is a major turn off for me because when I hike, I want to be immersed in the sites and sounds of nature and leave the outside world behind.
This is a jewel of a trail, located so close to uptown, yet you feel like you are in the wilderness. Excellent design, well maintained, and highlights include trestle, waterfall, and a cool suspension bridge. Anticipate linking up with other trails throughout the county
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