Distance: 3.3 mile one way
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: gain = 404 ft; loss = 169 ft
My Hike: 3.3 miles (from Collins rd to Elkin “tree sign”)
source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail
This was actually the 3rd hike I completed on my 40 Hike Challenge for the MST. Our family had been staying in an area nearby and on the way back home, my wife dropped me off so I could explore this area. This was my first hike in the Piedmont section of the MST.
I actually hiked this trail East bound. Beginning the trip at Trailhead 2 (Intersection of US 21 and Collins Rd.)
The GPS was able to find the start of this trail in a small neighborhood behind a shopping center.
This is an easy, pleasant stroll. The path soon leaves the gravel road pictured above and joins a well-maintained, multipurpose path that meanders gently along Big Elkin Creek. This primarily follows the Elkin-Alleghany Railroad Bed. Along the way you will see the E&A Gong. Tradition is that newcomers should ring the gong 3 times for good luck!
There is much to see along this trail with many informational and historical descriptions about everything from native plants to history about the E&A railroad.
Following the trail will take you directly to downtown Elkin and the iconic “tree sign”. Elkin is a charming town to shop, dine, hike, paddle and explore. There are many other trails to explore and rivers to paddle, especially with the Yadkin river flowing through the center of town. The Elkin Valley Trails Association has done a great job with this trail and the town of Elkin is hosting this year’s (2021) NC Trail Days.