Elkin Outdoors

Elkin NC Greenways

Published Aug. 5, 2014

Clear the way, and they will come. Elkin will one day be a major hub for visitors hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail or the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (or even paddling the Yadkin River). The Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA) is continually adding trailhead to the Elkin and Alleghany Rail Trail that will connect with trails at Stone Mountain Stone Park, which will become part of the proposed Mountains-to-Sea Trail route. Although much of the Elkin greenway system is a working progress, you'll find several established trails in and around downtown Elkin.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

The National Park Service is working to implement a trail that recognizes the route used by patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. A completed three-mile section starts at Elkin Municipal Park and follows Big Elkin Creek where it crosses through downtown Elkin and follows the Yadkin River west into Wilkes County.

Elkin Parks Link Trail

This greenway connects Elkin Municipal Park with Crater Park located on the Yadkin River. Crater Park is an access point for boat launches into the Yadkin River along with a public restroom, picnic areas, multisport fields, and boat ramp. Crater Park is a great place for catching largemouth bass, spotted bass, and catfish!

Elkin and Alleghany Trail

This trailhead is located at Elkin Municipal Park and heads from the northern end of the park's walking loop. The trail follows Elkin Creek and runs adjacent to the old railroad bed of the decommissioned Elkin and Alleghany railroad. Over 2.5 miles of the trail allows for handicap access from the park to the footbridge. Plans are to connect the trail with a single-track mountain biking loop and join the Stone Mountain Trail (under development) where it will joint trails at Stone Mountain State Park.

Stone Mountain State Park

There are eight trails covering eighteen miles surrounding the 600-foot dome of exposed granite called Stone Mountain. There are trails suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Stone Mountain Park is located just minutes from US 21, about fifteen minutes from downtown Elkin.