7 Accessible Bike Trails in NC for Every Kind of Cyclist
In pursuit of fun outdoor adventures in North Carolina? Riding a bike is a perfect, zero-emission way to see North Carolina’s nature up close. The “Great Trails State” is home to some top-tier, accessible trails for outdoor adventurers of all abilities.
When you ride your bike, your connection to the surroundings become profound. Whether you’re into road biking, mountain biking, hand cycling or adaptive cycling, each bike route invites you to embrace the exhilarating experience of traveling by wheel, inspiring the spirit of stewardship. Bike trails in NC are not just pathways — they’re gateways to memorable outdoor experiences that leave a lasting impact on both you and the places you visit.
Read on to discover some of the best accessible bike routes in North Carolina, and join the movement to protect these outdoor spaces for generations to come. Let your next adventure go beyond creating memories and become a proud steward of your experience.
Why Explore Accessible Bike Trails in NC?
You’re likely already familiar with the benefits of biking, from its boon to our physical and mental health to the way it helps us be good stewards of the planet. But what makes cycling a stand-out entry among outdoor activities in NC in particular?
Whether you’re looking for a casual Saturday afternoon bike ride or something a bit more challenging — say, cycling the 700-plus-mile Mountains-to-Sea route from start to finish — here are just a few of the reasons biking makes for an ideal adventure in North Carolina.
There’s a huge variety of natural landscapes to cycle through.
From the Brevard region – known only as the “Land of Waterfalls,” is known as the “Cycling Capital of the South” — to the gently rolling hills of the rural Piedmont area and the flat, scenic roads and sea breezes of the coastal plains, there’s an incredible array of landscapes and biodiverse regions here. And you can only take in so much of them while going 60-plus on the interstate.
More biking infrastructure has made for better trail accessibility.
For anyone wondering which cities in North Carolina are bike-friendly, the answer, happily, is more and more of them. That’s thanks in large part to a historic $55 million state investment in trail and greenway infrastructure in 2023. With this investment — and with the guidance of cyclists of all abilities — bike trails in NC are expanding everywhere from lively cities like Raleigh and Charlotte to charming towns like Chapel Hill and Carrboro. And from new paved trails that allow pedal-assist electric bikes to ramps and ADA-compliant bathrooms at many trailheads, North Carolina is striving to welcome cyclists of all abilities. (For more info, check for specific accessibility features at North Carolina’s state parks and wheelchair accessible trails.)
The options for mid-cycle side quests are endless.
You don’t have to bike deep into the backcountry to experience North Carolina’s natural beauty. If your love of cycling comes from what you can stop and see along the way, many of North Carolina’s bike-friendly trails and greenways give you the chance to visit historic sites, see charming small towns, or stop for a bite all while experiencing our natural world’s endorphin -boosting beauty.
There’s a vibrant biking community.
If you believe nature experiences are better shared, you’re likely to appreciate North Carolina’s robust lineup of annual and seasonal cycling events, organized group rides and biking clubs. You’ll find a number of local groups and events focused on inclusive cycling — from the Southeast’s premier adaptive downhill mountain bike race to nonprofits like North Carolina Adapted Sports.
Starting to feel your adventure-planning wheels set in motion? Read on for some of our favorite bike routes in North Carolina, with must-visit trails for all kinds of cycles and cyclists.
7 Bike Trails in NC for Your Next Accessible Adventure
The American Tobacco Trail
Location: Triangle Area
Connecting Durham, Chatham and Wake counties via more than 22 miles of paved and compacted screened gravel trail, the American Tobacco Trail appeals to history lovers. It follows an old railroad route critical to the rise of America’s tobacco industry, connecting farms to factories in Durham. As you cycle from the trail’s metropolitan origin point out into dense woods, open fields, and wetlands, you’ll pass vestiges of the region’s past, such as old track ties and informational signs.
The Neuse River Trail
Location: Raleigh
A 27.5-mile slice of the larger East Coast Greenway — which connects Maine to Florida via a 3,000- mile trail system — the Neuse River Trail is a paved, flat and scenic bike route that’s perfect for handcycles and two-wheelers alike. Closely following the course of the Neuse River and featuring sections of boardwalk over wetlands, stop for a quiet break along this trail for the chance to see deer, beavers, herons and eagles.
Black Creek Greenway
location: Cary
At about seven miles of paved, continuous trail, the park-to-park Black Creek Greenway system lets you cycle a sliver of the larger American Tobacco Trail without turning it into a full-day affair. A haven for birdwatchers, keep an eye out for both songbirds and waterfowl, like herons, while biking in this suburban wildlife corridor. At the end of your ride, treat yourself to an ice cream from the Bond Park Boathouse — the perfect cap to any day of fun outdoor activities.
Brevard Greenway/estatoe trail
location: brevard
Stretching from the Pisgah National Forest to its charming Main Street, Brevard’s bikeable greenway system is only growing. Case in point: When complete, the Ecusta Trail will connect Brevard to Hendersonville via 19.4 miles of accessible greenway, and off-trail shops and breweries are already opening in anticipation. But excitement for the future trail shouldn’t keep you from exploring Brevard’s greenways today. About five primarily paved miles, the Estatoe Trail, so called for the Cherokee name of the river it meanders along, invites shaded, easygoing cycling.
the river to sea bikeway
location: wilmington
Another chunk of the East Coast Greenway, this popular, 11-mile bike route in North Carolina begins in historic Wilmington and culminates in the coastal dunes of Wrightsville Beach. Along the way, you’ll find parks and gardens, not to mention riparian zones and salt marshes teeming with migratory birds, crabs and fish. Following the route that once carried vacationers from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach by trolley, the trail is mostly paved, with many stretches putting you in designated on-road bike lanes.
duck trail
location: duck
Biking is a big deal in the Outer Banks, with 105 miles of bikeable paths covering this string of barrier islands. Among them, the flat, six-mile Duck Trail is a fan favorite. Boasting stunning sunrise and sunset views of the Currituck Sound, the trail lets you take in the charm of this tiny OBX town — and we do mean tiny! — while appreciating its salty breezes and coastal ecology. Connecting you to beach access points, local boutiques and coffee shops for a real quick break, it’s an ideal way to spend an active seaside day.
The Emerald Path
location: emerald isle
Extending about 11 paved miles, the Emerald Path is a great way to explore North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an area that tends to fly under the radar compared to the more popular beach towns of the north. Taking you through maritime forests, salt marshes, and dunes — as well as Emerald Isle’s peaceful downtown — you’ll cycle past no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands, and coastal wildlife.
3 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Tips to Practice While Biking
Whether you’re cycling along the coast, through the gentle hills of the Piedmont region or in view of the west’s craggy peaks, seeing North Carolina’s natural beauty from a bike is a no-brainer. To be part of the movement for the outdoor spaces you’re enjoying, you can cycle with care and minimize your impact on these vital ecosystems with these three tips.
Stick to designated biking or multi-use trails.
Many trails that welcome cyclists intersect with or run along trails that don’t. Make sure you’re cycling on an established bike trail. Taking shortcuts erodes vegetation and carve new paths in the dirt that can lead to unwanted erosion. While the trails above are largely paved, if you’re mountain biking or on a dirt trail, avoid going out when trails are soft, wet or muddy. If you do encounter a patch of mud, ride through it — edging around it can damage trailside plants, widen trails, and cause ruts.
Feed your curiosity by looking, not touching.
Leaving an ecosystem as you found it means appreciating everything you cycle past with your eyes rather than your hands. Leave rocks and plants in place. If you encounter a stretch of trail that’s obstructed or could be improved, don’t DIY it — leave the trail maintenance and trail building to professionals. (You could always check with the land manager about volunteer opportunities, too!)
Be mindful of who you’re sharing the trail with.
The outdoors are for everyone. While enjoying your ride, be mindful of other cyclists and if you’re on a multiuse trail, those exploring by foot or horseback. Keep speeds to a reasonable minimum to ensure the safety of others especially around corners and areas that have limited sightlines. Always yield to on-foot adventurers and horseback riders and, when descending, to uphill cyclists. This etiquette ensures everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience regardless if they are riding a bike, walking, running or exploring by horseback.
Want to learn more ways to explore North Carolina’s natural world, from the High Country to the coast, while being a good steward of it?
Inside our Evergreen E-Newsletter you’ll find useful tips on how to responsibly enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures, highlights from local guides, and recommendations on destinations to explore throughout North Carolina for adventurers of all abilities.
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