The weather is warming, the trees are budding, and birds are singing at The Reserve at Leonard Farms. That means hiking season is upon us once again.
Whether you enjoy hiking alone or with a loved one (and that includes pets), there are a variety of trails to choose from at all skill levels near Bristol, Tennessee.
You can start with the easy trails, hone your edge on the intermediate paths, then tackle the tougher routes, finding your favorite trails along the way. Hiking is one of the healthiest and most fun things to do in Bristol.
Lace up your boots and explore. Here are our favorite hiking trails near Bristol, TN. Hit the trails like a local!
Skill Level: Easy
Osceola Island Loop:
As the name implies, this trail is a 1.6 mile-loop. It has a 29-foot elevation gain and takes an average of 29 minutes to complete. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to view local wildlife and even stop to do some trout fishing if you’d like. Dogs are welcome, and it’s stroller-friendly, too.
Emmett Trail:
Offering 2.3 miles of meandering, out-and-back hiking on TVA public land, this trail has an elevation gain of 150 feet and a mild incline. It takes about 49 minutes to complete at a leisurely stroll, following the Holston River for much of its length. It’s a great place for birding and fishing. Dogs and kids are welcome.
Skill Level: Moderate
Lake Ridge Trail/Lakeside Trail:
A loop trail of 4.6 miles with an elevation gain of 472 feet, this hike in Steel Creek Park takes an average of an hour and 48 minutes to complete. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake as well as serene, wooded corridors. This moderate trail near Bristol, TN, intersects several smaller trails along the way. Bathrooms are available.
Sinks Way Trail:
Another Steel Creek Park loop trail, it runs 4.2 miles with an 866-foot elevation gain. It takes a little over two hours to finish. This trail is rather hilly with some steep inclines and some muddy spots after a rain but includes some breathtaking scenery.
Skill Level: Hard
Flint Mill Trail:
This 7.2-mile, out-and-back trail in the Cherokee National Forest has an elevation gain of 2,401 feet and averages four hours and 36 minutes to hike. It leads to the Holston Mountain Fire Tower, where awesome views can be had. It features steep inclines to conquer in wooded terrain. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Contact The Reserve at Leonard Farms to learn more about luxurious, gated-community living in Bristol, Tennessee, where you’ll have a plethora of outdoor trails in your own neighborhood for a healthy and active living space.
