Thermal Belt Rail Trail
NC - 13.6 miles
Surfaces: Asphalt
As a WV Native and a fairly avid cyclist I’ve ridden a lot of trails. The Greenbrier River Trail. All of the connecting trails in North Central WV (Mon-River, MCTrail, Deckers Creek) and even the C&O + GAP from DC to Pittsburgh.
While each trail has their pros and cons, *most* rail trails at least have a surface made for hiking or cycling (admittedly, the C&O is often a muddy mess, but I digress..)
The North Bend Trail is excellent for its length, the tunnels, and the overall beauty of nature. But the trail surface is mostly thicker chunky gravel, not the crushed limestone which makes a good trail.
In July 2023 I rode the trail from Parkersburg to Clarksburg one day and Clarksburg back to Parkersburg the next. The thick gravel made for a bumpier ride than every other trail I’ve ridden. On the second day I bumped into somebody who asked if the entire trail was like the chunky gravel they were currently experiencing. When I indicated that most-but-not-all of it was like that, they indicated that they would only ride a few miles and then call it quits and find another trail to enjoy. I couldn’t blame them.
All in all, the length of the trail is its main benefit. But the ride just isn’t smooth. If the surface is ever changed to crushed limestone I’d probably ride it annually. But in its current state, I don’t have a lot of desire to ride it again. The decision to use regular gravel and not crushed limestone was a poor decision.
For those hiking or cycling on a mountain bike with shocks, you won’t notice much. But for those riding a gravel or other hybrid bike without suspension, prepare for your arms to have a workout as the non-stop vibrations will surely impact your ride.
Rode this trail today, had a Great time, trail is in good condition and is 8 miles long, round trip of 16 miles, good parking in Fultondale at the ballpark.
very nice trail enjoy it very much being close to home, hope it can be exdendent more and reopen access at the Greene Cove Yacht Club.
Was vacationing in Charleston and rode the Ashley trail. Started at the Albemarle endpoint and headed west. Took my mountain bike because from description I thought about half of the 8.2 miles would be unpaved. Well I keep going and at 7.2 miles the asphalt ended at the Croghan Landing Dr parking lot.
Rode the reminder on the sand/dirt stretch. Scenery much different then what I’m used to in the mountains of Virginia. Very beautiful surroundings on west end. More shaded too after around 4-5 miles because the electrical right of way turns away from the trail, so more trees can grow into each other and cover the trail more often.
There are lots of street crossings and the one major one at Folly Road Blvd. Can get annoying, feels like you never can get in a rhythm slowing up and reaccelerating.
I’d recommend parking behind the shopping strip on Windermere and avoid the Folly crosssing.
This is a nice trail for bikers and hikers. Relatively flat, with some shade and some scenic views. The trail winds behind some industrial areas but it was always clean and safe.
Loved this trail. Yes, there were lots of people on the trai, but with separate lanes for bikers and walkers, it didn't feel congested at all.
I look forward to doing a marathon training long run on trail starting between Shipshewana and Middlebury towards Goshen every year! Such a great and scenic trail.
Four of us started on the north side entering from route a1a and parking in the lot. The conditions were perfect. Road had been recently graded, and since it hadn’t rained in a while there were no puddles. I’ve been on this trail by car previously. It was so much more enjoyable by bike. A lot of the trail is in the shade. And then wam! The Indian River lagoon is right next to you. There’s a historic area closer to the south end where you can stop. Where there are new/clean restrooms and you can enjoy the views from a public dock on the river . I highly recommend. Happy trailing :)
This is one of my go to short and quick rides. I start from Valencia park in Jamboree and end at Peters Canyon trail head. It's a beautiful trail with a mild slope.
About 4 miles of paved trail from walnut to Sand canyon. Runs along metrolink railway and there is a park along the way if you want to take a break. I started from west point Irvine in Jamboree then took Peters Canyon from Bryan to Harvard and Walnut trail. It was 13.6 miles of nice relatively easy ride.
Warm and sunny Spring day parked in Petroleum Center next to the Park Office. Very well shaded. Biked to Titusville and back for a 25 mile round trip. While in Titusville also rode on Queen City Trail and rode through Drake Well park. The vehicle bridge in Petroleum Center has been closed at least 18 months and a new one isn't scheduled to be rebuilt until 2026. In the meantime, the bridge is open for pedestrians and cyclists. And as always, our State Parks in Pennsylvania are free to visit.
Started in Glencoe at the miniature railroad depot. Trail started out promising but seemed to get more and more narrow and is poorly marked. We attempted to follow the Al Foster trail. This really isn’t a 10 plus mile trail as it’s broken up. We originally started in Eureka and quickly realized the trail stops after roughly 1.7 miles. Luckily for us that after a few miles of an ever shrinking trail, we decided it wasn’t for us. Got back to our vehicle and put everything away just before a storm came through.
Road along the trail today and it was fabulous through Hopkins and ST Louis Park to the start of MSP. Light rail work being completed and the trail is in excellent condition. It was fun to see the light rail stations along the way.
Beautiful scenery, great hangout spots along the river, mostly downhill.
A third of the ride is designated bike trail, the other two thirds are streets, and a few are very busy streets! Many street crossings, and signage is fair. Had to check the map several times to make sure we were on the bikeway. Won’t ride this ever again.
