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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.
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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