Climb aboard: 8 rails to trails hikes in North Carolina
The Great Trails State has converted old railroad lines into hiking trails. Learn about eight of them before trying one for yourself.
In the 1960s, the first rail-to-trail, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin, was created. Since then, support for thousands of trails across the country has come from legislation and nonprofits such as the Rails to Trails Conservancy, Carolina Thread Trail, Catawba Land Conservancy, Great Trails State Coalition, and other organizations that provide guidance and maintenance for trails in North Carolina.
“Rails to trails is a repurposing of abandoned or nonoperating rail lines for recreation and transportation use,” says Palmer McIntyre, coordinator for The Great Trails State Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for more trails in North Carolina. “The great thing about rail trails is there’s already some infrastructure. They’re relatively easy to transform into a trail.”
As North Carolina strengthens its reputation as The Great Trails State, more rails are being adapted for trails. Many of them are wheelchair accessible because of the wide paved paths and gentle slopes. Some trails are close to water features or connect to parks and downtowns with restaurants and other attractions.
These projects are funded with federal and local money, community bonds, and private donations. “The coalition is working to secure recurring state money to support projects like these,” McIntyre says.
Most trails are open from dawn to dusk and allow bicycles, strollers, and manual and motorized wheelchairs. Check specific trails for rules about electric bikes, horses, and pets.
Ready to jump on a rail-to-trail? Here are a few suggestions:
American Tobacco Trail
Chatham, Durham, and Wake Counties
This 22-mile trail may be the longest in the state. It begins in Durham at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and passes by the American Tobacco Campus, which has cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. The trail continues South toward Beaver Creek Wetland and Jordan Lake Game Lands. Horseback riding is allowed on the parts of the trail in Chatham and Wake Counties.
Charlotte Rail Trail
Mecklenburg County
A twist on the rails to trails theme, the 3.5-mile Charlotte Rail Trail is a wide paved walkway following the LYNX Blue Line, the city’s light rail. Public art — illuminated works, murals, and sculptures — as well as breweries, cafés, and restaurants line the path.
Ecusta Trail
Henderson and Transylvania Counties
When this trail is completed, it will be 19.4 miles, with part of it following along the French Broad River, from downtown Hendersonville to Brevard.
By the end of December, six miles will be finished: Start at the Hendersonville Welcome Center and proceed to Dry Falls Brewing, Trailside Brewing Co, Ecusta Market & Cafe, Lennox Park, and Laurel Park. Rent bikes at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine or stop there for a beer at Guidon Brewing Outpost. Continue for a tasty reward at Root & Bone, and its bar and music venue, Crossroads, in Horseshoe.
Deep River State Trail
Randolph County
The Franklinville Section of the Deep River State Trail, a 5-mile trail through Franklinville, Ramseur, and Randleman, is on a repurposed rail line. The gravel path is almost a mile through forest and past a closed textile factory. Connect to Faith Rock Trail and stop for a pimento cheese burger at the Franklinville Diner, a short walk from the historic bridge.
Gold Hill Rail Trail
Rowan County
Travel the original rail line built to transport gold and gold refining equipment on the 2.2-mile Gold Hill Rail Trail in Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, a 70-acre park. Look for mining structures, a stone jail and other relics still visible along the trail.
Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail
Lincoln County
Downtown Lincolnton’s 1.5-mile trail is named after Marcia H. Cloninger, one of the early advocates for Rails to Trails in Lincolnton. Plan a walk during the town’s activities: Lincoln County’s Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alive After Five Concert Series on Thursdays at 7 p.m., or festivals like the Lincolnton’s Food, Wine & Brew Fest on Sept. 14.
Oakboro Rail Trail
Stanly County
Begin at the Oakboro Railroad Museum to learn about the town’s history as a rail stop and a Western Union telegraph key. This trail is just .2 miles but connects to Oakboro’s District Park’s 1 mile of trails.
Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Rutherford County
At almost 14 miles long, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is an ideal way to see the countryside on foot or wheels. The northern portion, 5 miles of trail beginning in Ruthfordton, is rural with plenty of shade and benches for breaks. Learn about gold mining at The Bechtler Mint Historic Site, a small park with information about the mint and mine shaft.
From mile 5 through 13, look for a public pool and a splash pad to cool off. Main Street Forest City offers public art, restaurants, and shops in historical buildings.
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