All Routes Lead to Elkin’s NC Trail Days Festival

Surry County, North Carolina

Elkin, the best little trail town in North Carolina, hosts its annual NC Trail Days festival June 2-5. 

The festival celebrates the importance of trails in this Yadkin Valley foothills town where three major routes intersect: the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail and Yadkin River Paddle Trail. It also coincides with the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4.

The four days are filled with activities for outdoor-minded people of all abilities. Multiple guided hikes and self-guided hikes are on tap, along with mountain biking, group kayaking and a downtown music trail event. 

Other cool events include family yoga alongside the Yadkin River and the Insane Terrain 5K race. 

“A lot of the schedule is based on previous events that are popular, but we want to make sure each year has a new twist and new events to enjoy,” says NC Trail Days director Natalie Eidson. 

When not on the trails, folks can kick back at social events in Elkin Municipal Park and along Main Street. Those festivities include a Lowcountry boil, live music, food trucks, farmers market, beer garden and vendor village. Elkin’s across-the-river neighbor, Jonesville, will host events as well.

Attendees are encouraged to bring bikes, boats, and boots and enjoy an extended weekend with trail lovers from across North Carolina and beyond.


Elkin is at the confluence of three great trails…the NC Mountains to Sea Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Yadkin River Paddle Trail. www.nctraildays.com