Explore the best rated trails in Lexington, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Long Branch Trail (NC) and Salem Lake Trail . With more than 45 trails covering 131 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is a paved, slightly narrow path of about 3.5 miles one way. No cross roads so auto traffic is not an issue. There is generally 1 water crossing and sometimes a flooded section. Can be muddy and sandy immediately after storms. Mostly shaded. Parking available by Salem College tennis courts. One hill of note; otherwise a pleasant bike ride. Can be crowded on weekends. Intersects with Salem Lake loop.
The finished parts are lovely and shaded. There are many segments in busy roads with no bike lanes or sidewalks.
I’m finally learning how to connect the seemingly never ending mess of greenways together to get decent mileage. I stumbled across Toby Creek when accessing the Mallard Creek greenway from the Kirk Farm parking lot. It’s a nice, albeit short, greenway that runs through the UNCC campus before hitting University Blvd. To keep this concise I will just say this - this section can be dangerous. We were met with a deranged man screaming expletives while menacingly holding a machete upon our return trip. He must have seen us cross the first time and waited in the woods for us to come back and got way too close for my comfort with that weapon. The police have been notified but please remain vigilant and carry something to protect yourself as I did have a hold time of almost 10 minutes when calling 911.
Close to me, beautiful trail, shade is great in the summer.
Nice trail along the creek. Connects with the other two trails in town for a seamless ride. With the other two connecting trails it is an outstanding trail for a small town. Well done.
We enjoyed the trail. We rode from Guilford Military Park in Greensboro to Burmill Park In summerfield. Lots of up and down hills but not too strenuous. Paved and well maintained. Nice resting stops along the way.
Seemed like the trailhead coordinates weren’t accurate. They brought me to someplace close to the trail but with no parking area. All the parking areas are on route 22 (around 35.7412891, -79.6828295). Not exactly a quiet walk. Seemed to be some kind of man made buzz most of the walk. Never could figure out where it was coming from. But the views of the river were great and I saw one of the biggest great blue herons I’ve ever seen.
Circumvent the Salem Lake in 7 miles. Small section is asphalt and majority is packed dirt/gravel. Several sections of erosions and tree debris along with horse droppings. However, more eroded sections have been repaired. Lots of rolling hills and 2 steeper climbs with hairpin turns. Tough bike riding on weekends due to Lake’s popularity. Great balance of sun and shade with welcome lake breezes. Plenty of parking. Option to mountain bike on Jesus Trail or at the Dojo. If erosion was non existent-this would be a 5 star trail especially week days. One of our area favorites
The bridge crossing Lake Brandt 1/4 mile south of Strawberry Rd is blocked off. The detour is Battleground Rd to Bur-Mil park.
We began our ride at the northern terminus and rode only about a mile and a quarter before we came to a bridge that was closed and had to turn around. We got back in the car and went to a trailhead further south that was only to be found in the heart of an apartment complex. We rode in circles not able to find the trail leading to where the opposite side of the bridge closure might be. So we got back in the car once more and found the southern terminus of the trail and tried again. It was a better start with a stop at the Guildford Courthouse National Military Site (part of the National Park Service) where we could ride along the battleground car/bike tour road. Generally, the trail is not well signed and at points it is a shared sidewalk along busy roads. Coming from the cold of the north, we were looking to begin our bike season in a warmer March climate. The trail sections of this ride would be beautiful come April - September. This was a very hard-won 16.5 mile ride.
Great trail but could get confusing when it connects to other trails. Overall great experience and environment!
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