Trail Towns: Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, Ronda
Snugly nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge foothills, Wilkes County offers an inviting mix of outdoor adventure, rich heritage and small-town charm. Known as the birthplace of NASCAR and home to MerleFest — one of the country’s premier Americana music festivals — Wilkes blends culture and history with natural beauty. Hike scenic trails at Stone Mountain State Park, bike the rolling terrain of the Yadkin River Greenway or paddle the gentle waters of the Reddies River. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy vineyard hopping through the lush hills of the Yadkin Valley wine region, while foodies can savor farm-to-table flavors at local restaurants. Downtowns in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro feature walkable streets, boutique shopping, live music and seasonal events that welcome visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore or connect with local Appalachian roots, Wilkes County is a vibrant destination that invites you to slow down and stay a while.
in the Wilkesboro Area
Wilkes County offers a diverse trail experience for hikers, bikers and nature lovers of all levels. Explore wooded paths along the Yadkin River Greenway or challenge yourself on the rugged mountain terrain at Stone Mountain and Rendezvous Mountain. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail adds a layer of Revolutionary War history to your journey, while Cub Creek Park’s trails provide easy access for families and casual walkers. Whether you’re seeking sweeping views, waterfall hikes or peaceful river walks, the trails in Wilkes County connect you with the natural beauty and rich heritage of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills.
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Paved Greenway
Paddling
Fishing
Driving Tour
Cultural Or Walking Tours
Waterfall
Important note: Accessible trails' activities are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Jefferson Turnpike
North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro
Cub Creek Park Trails
Wilkesboro
Dark Mountain Trails
Wilkesboro
Warrior Creek Trails
Wilkesboro
Carter Falls Trails
Elkin
Cascades Trail Loop
Wilkesboro
Bluff Mountain Trail
North Wilkesboro
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
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