From an easy hike around Fish Dam Creek Trail at the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir to a strenuous climb straight up the Stone Mountain Loop Trail; Wilkes County is renowned for its hiking trails. With over 20,000 acres of public land and numerous wilderness areas, hikers have plenty to do and see all while exhaling and letting go in Wilkes County.
A unique outdoor experience for the entire family. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic forest provides outdoor education centers, state of the art picnic facilities including a covered picnic shelter that can hold a maximum of 175 people as well as several talking and historical trails. If that weren’t enough, all of this FREE. What a great way to explore and have fun in Wilkes County.
Educational, family oriented trails
- Talking Tree Trail (7 talking trees, history about mountain, ½ mile, moderate trail with resting benches)
- CCC Cabin Trail (500ft to fire tower)
- Logging History Trail (4 audio stations, discusses how trees were harvested in the early 1900s, and uses and importance of managing trees)
- Additional hiking, biking and horses trails in the future
- Picnic, grills/ firepits provided
- Covered picnic shelter (minimum 20 people, maximum 150-175 people), electrical outlets, lights, horshoe pits, water fountain, water spicket)
- Amphitheatre – seat 175 -200 people, electrical outlets, handicapped accessible
Named for NC governor and Senator William Kerr Scott, the Dam and Reservoirs was built in response to the catastrophic flood of 1940. The earthen dam was completed in 1961. The lake has 55 miles of shoreline with 1470 surface acres of water at normal pool level. The dam is designed to hold 50 feet of water in the event of a flood. The highest lake level was recorded in 1970 at 30 feet above normal. The lowest was recorded in 1978 at 10 feet below normal.
W. Kerr Scott boasts some of the best hiking and biking trails in the USA! There are currently over 30 miles of trail to enjoy at the lake. The herculean efforts of the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club in designing, building and maintaining our trails have made Wilkesboro a premiere destination within the mountain bike community. Whether you crave the mountain bike excitement of Dark Mountain trail or a peaceful hike to the waterfall at Bushwhacker Falls trail, W. Kerr Scott trails have something for everyone. In addition to our trails we have wide open spaces like Dark Mountain Park where you can throw Frisbee or fly a kite. Your dogs are welcome but you must clean up after them and have them on a leash.
Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain's base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park. With more than 16 miles of trails, it will be a great day to take a hike in the park.
The Yadkin River Greenway was created through the cooperative efforts of citizen volunteers, landowners, and the governments of Wilkes County, North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and the State of North Carolina. This Greenway is a natural area between urban communities where wildlife, vegetation, and streams are preserved and enjoyed. Greenways also provide transportation, recreation, and exercise opportunities for the community. The YRG contains 1.7 miles of paved trail with three trailheads in North Wilkesboro and one in Wilkesboro. |
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Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir
Stone Mountain 
Yadkin River Greenway