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North Carolina's High Country

Biking in Western North Carolina

As BikeTrippers, we're always looking for new bicycling experiences but we're not mountain bikers or road bikers. We discovered some pleasant in-town, paved biking in North Carolina's High Country.

The North Carolina High Country comprises seven counties in the western part of the state, including the highest elevations in the state and gorgeous mountain scenery. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest are its best-known natural areas for mountain and road biking, with myriad more outdoor activities, but there's a lot more to do and see. Quaint small towns offer dining and shopping, historic and cultural attractions, and more.

Biking Map... North Carolina High Country

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Location: Western North Carolina (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey Counties) (See map)
Distance: Various, see links below
Surface: Paved trails, road biking, unpaved mountain biking and hiking trails

Bike Shops/Rentals: See individual page links, below

Biking on Paved Greenways

Below are overviews of three paved greenway trails in the area, with links to full-page descriptions and photos. These were well-maintained and easy to ride - mostly flat, though some moderate uphill grades challenged us Florida flatlanders. All were part of growing, mostly paved greenway systems, providing new recreational opportunities for locals and visitors.

Boone Greenway - Paved trail runs almost 5 miles (and growing) through Boone, NC, along and crossing the South Fork of the New River. Popular for biking, walking, and running, the trail is paved and mostly flat, with benches, picnic tables, and interpretative signs.

View details, parking, 50+ photos

Lenoir Greenway - 7-mile (and more planned) paved trail winding through the City of Lenoir. Off the road, popular for biking, walking and running. Includes wooded areas paralleling Zacks Fork Creek.

View details, parking, 40+ photos

Yadkin River Greenway - 8.1 mile paved trail in 7 sections, some disconnected (future plans to extend and connect sections). Linking Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, mostly along the Yadkin and Reddies Rivers with scenic views.

View details, parking, 45+ photos

Biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through portions of the High Country, we always enjoy exploring the sights. Biking on the Parkway is popular, but not for us (we stick to paved trails whenever possible). This is best for experienced bikers, and those who do attempt it need to be well prepared - it's almost all up and down, with some long grades extending many miles. This is road biking and can be busy with motor traffic, especially on weekends.

• Bicycles, including mountain bikes and e-bikes, are allowed only on paved road surfaces and at parking areas, they may not be ridden on trails or walkways.
  More information on Bicycling the Parkway
• Weather and other conditions may affect access to various locations along the Parkway. Check for alerts and closures

More Information and Resources

More Biking:
Bike-North Carolina - More information about biking in North Carolina

Related Resources:
High Country Visitor Guide
National Park Service - Blue Ridge Parkway

Support and Advocacy: Parkway Partners