HIKE. BIKE. PADDLE. EXPLORE.
Elkin/Jonesville, NC
About NC Trail Days
Paddle • Hike • Bike • Climb • Trail Run • Explore
Join us in the towns of Elkin and Jonesville—home to three great state trails—for North Carolina Trail Days, a four-day celebration of the great outdoors and the vibrant recreation culture of the Blue Ridge foothills. Held annually on the weekend of National Trails Day (the first Saturday in June), this festival highlights local trails, Segment 6 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and a full weekend of outdoor fun.
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Bring your boots, bikes, and boats (kayaks welcome!) and connect with fellow trail lovers from near and far. Enjoy themed and self-guided hikes, river cleanups and Yadkin paddles, group rock climbing, a Thursday night kickoff, and a Friday evening block party. The weekend also includes environmental and adventure film screenings, kids’ activities, a speaker series, free live music, and a vendor village packed with outdoor gear, demos, and an overland vehicle showcase. Check back in early 2025 for the full schedule!
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Explore 3 State Trails, 2 State Parks, and 2 Trail Towns
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Elkin and Jonesville are separated only by the Yadkin River and sit at the intersection of three major trails: the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Yadkin River State Trail. Each town also boasts a growing trail network, including the Elkin & Alleghany Rail Trail and Jonesville Greenway, with unique experiences like forest bathing trails, birding trails, the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, and top-notch road and mountain biking routes.
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Located just below the Blue Ridge Parkway and between Stone Mountain and Pilot Mountain State Parks, the area also offers exceptional opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and fishing. If you're searching for outdoor variety, you'll find it here.
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North Carolina Trail Days is our way of celebrating this beautiful, adventure-filled region—we invite you to come find your trail.​
Two Towns Bridged together
for one great weekend
*Photo is of the old Hugh Chatham Memorial Bridge that once connected Elkin and Jonesville over the Yadkin River.
​About Elkin
Elkin is a vibrant trail town where downtown charm meets outdoor access. Stroll historic Main Street, grab a bite at a local eatery, and enjoy seasonal farmers markets and events.
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Hit the Elkin Creek Greenway for an easy walk, or explore more rugged trails like the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 6) and nearby Brushy Mountain adventures. You’re also just minutes from kayaking, tubing, or fishing on the scenic Yadkin River.
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About Jonesville
Just across the bridge, Jonesville offers a peaceful, welcoming vibe and its own stretch of riverfront beauty. The Jonesville Greenway runs alongside the Yadkin and offers great views, birdwatching, and a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or jog.
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Trail connections between Elkin and Jonesville are growing, making it easier than ever to explore both towns on foot or bike during the festival.
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Between Two State Parks
One of the biggest draws of the area is its perfect placement between two stunning state parks:
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Stone Mountain State Park (25 minutes west): A hiker’s dream, known for its massive granite dome, cascading waterfalls, trout streams, and panoramic summit views.
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Pilot Mountain State Park (30 minutes east): Famous for its towering knob, Pilot offers miles of scenic trails, rock climbing, and views that stretch for miles over the Piedmont.
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Whether you're aiming for mountain adventure or riverside relaxation, Elkin and Jonesville serve as the perfect basecamp.​​​