Mendota Trail

Terri Lane

2024-04

It was nice to see improvements but not what I expected. This journey is all flat and in the full sun for the most part. I will try going from another section next trip. Will keep you postedParking: Predominantly in grassDog-friendliness: Saw a few other dogs. My old girl enjoyed it

Terry Trussell

2024-04

This trail I believe still partially finished. But what is finished is beautiful! The rest down into mendota will be amazing. Steep gorges and trestles. It is very beautiful country.

Walter Shroyer

2023-08

We rode our bikes on July 14, 2023 starting at the Bristol, VA parking area. The trail was complete for 6 miles. It was uphill for the first mile then leveled off for a mile then dropped for a couple of miles then leveled off again. All in all we rode 12 miles round trip with a total elevation gain of 800 feet. My least favorite part was a small area that was a steep narrow uphill with rough gravel, and paralleled a road. Otherwise it was a nice beautiful bike ride.

Z M

2023-05

Great trail and even better after the recent upgrades to the Bristol trailhead in the Spring of 2022. From Bristol, the first half mile is now paved. First 3 miles from Bristol are uphill and then 2 miles down hill to Benhams where another parking lot is. Beautiful scenery, well marked and signage. There are several road crossings that require caution. I've also noticed that there are a few more flying bugs than some other local trails.

Brandon Crabtree

2023-05

Fun easy trail to walk but really wish I had a bike to truly enjoy this one. Very easy with just one small hill near the Bristol Trailhead. You are walking in some front and back yards so I wouldn't suggest this trail if you're trying to get out into the wilderness.

Ted Lapis

2023-05

The Mendota Trail is now open for most of it’s length. However the Bristol, VA official parking lot is not available until the American with Disabilities Act Certification is completed. The trail may be accessed many points along the various roads to Mendota.From the Mendota end, several miles of trail are accessible, including the Swinging Bridge. Situated along the North Fork of the Holston River. Great for hiking & biking!The Mendota Trail will connect to Bristol in 2023. Please respect private property rights, and respect our public property!

Nick

2023-11

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Bobbi girl

2023-06

Trail is about a mile, before it becomes challenging to follow. It is paved for awhile, and a nice relatively flat trail for anyone.Parking: Gravel parking lotRestrooms: Just a port-a-pottyDog-friendliness: There is a dog waste site

Connor

2023-05

The trail is rougher and bumpy compared to other rail trails in the area. Can go a little over 6 miles from the trailhead at 81. There is a gate for private property about 200 yards after the 6 mile marker.

The Reviewer

2024-03

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Micha Dawn

2023-10

I feel so lucky to live near such a beautiful trail. I’m so happy that the trail has opened end to end. I can’t wait to see the entire area. The trail head in Bristol is so nice. There are some amazing beauty spots. It’s a labor of love for those that maintain the trail and they do a fantastic job.

Wayne Walk Jr

2023-05

Nice trail to hike on. Hopefully now that the tail is open that some of the people that own property near the trail will clean up their trash. Some great views await you for a nice adventure!

Sol Rosenburg

2024-02

Nice trail, easy hike, old rail trail. In and out. Trail goes through woods to road side and back in the woods with a slight incline to peak. Picnic pavilion and plenty of parking.Restrooms: Porta potty for winter. Large and clean.

Donald larkin

2023-10

Beautiful trail. Just scouting yesterday, 9/23/23. Rode to 3 mile marker and back to Bristol trailhead. Somewhat rough re large gravel in places but our street bycycles did fine. Consider walking your bike down one short steep gravel hill. Understand full 12 plus mile trail opened recently so returning soon for 25 mile ride.Restrooms: At Bristol trailhead supposed to open soon.Dog-friendliness: Keep on leash. Reportedly some loose local dogs on parts of trail.

Charles Smith

2023-09

Very nice 12.5 mile trail. 25 miles out and back.

Jason Crabtree

2022-05

Pretty nice trail! Good views. A little noisy along the highway though.

Raven

2022-05

Nice, shaded hike...no steep hills, good for walking or biking...very scenic

Carina Karlsson

2021-05

This trail is still under construction. About 5 miles of the Bristol trailhead are finished. It is a nice option to have available.Pictured is a frog catching a little late February sun.

Drae F

2023-05

I think this trail is coming along nicely. The fields are pretty and there wasn't a whole lot of trash. It does feel weird being so close to houses and I didn't like being next to the road for part of it, but what can you do? There really isn't a lot of undeveloped places in the area to put trails, but I think they're an important thing to have. A few more benches would be nice. I'm out of shape and gotta sit down sometimes.

Warphammer

2023-05

Wonderful, but incomplete. I had incredible fun with a mountain bike, but I'm not sure how the people with non-suspension bikes out there were faring.

Irish She Is

2023-05

We walked a very short distance on this trail before turning around. I can perfectly understand why the property owners near this Trail would be upset. The trail runs right along side their property, invading their privacy. We wanted no part in the invasion of other's privacy. This walking trail should have never happened. A train running through the area back in the day was one thing; but people walking by is something completely different. Also, if you choose to walk this path, don't complain about dogs on their property come near you, when you choose to get that close to their property.

Dianne Slemons

2024-02

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William Gale

2022-05

Absolutely loved this trail. Rode both ends. The Bristol side has 6 miles complete at this time. The trail is a little bumpy and has some ups and downs but definitely manageable for most riders. The Mendota side has 2 miles open to the public and even nicer than the Bristol side. There is a German Shepard near the start of trail that is harmless to walkers and riders. Also the trail does run through or near some properties just like all rail trails that I have been on. If this is something that bothers you then you may want to stick with greenways/multi use paths. I was lucky enough to meet a local volunteer or offered to take me an additional 2 or so miles in on the Mendota side! Let me just say once complete I believe this trail will be a real gem 💎 and I definitely recommend if your in the area to give it a go!

Brandon Smith

2023-08

We only did 5 miles so not sure where it ends. 8 think there's two mendota trails though, unless they connect somewhere I haven't found yet. Walk, hike or bike this trailParking: Plenty of spots and no feeFees: NoneRestrooms: Have nice restrooms being built but not sure they're complete yetDog-friendliness: Bring your pups

Jasmin Ratliff

2022-05

I’m so excited to have this awesome trail right in my town!!! Everyone who comes to Bristol needs to stop and enjoy this gorgeous place! It’s so well maintained and fun to bike, walk or run it! Come and visit this beautiful place!!! Can’t wait to see the new section you’re working on. Yay!!!! Mendota Trail!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️You make me SMILE!!

Robert Howard

2023-11

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Captain D

2023-05

Very scenic rail trail in progress,this was my 3rd trip. I’ve ridden Bristol to Benhams (6 miles) and Mendoto to trail construction site (5 miles). When complete about 25 miles round trip. Great way to see SWVA!

Richard Carroll

2020-05

First-time Mendota trail ride today. Loved the peace and tranquility. Saw lots of wildlife. My first 3 miles were up hill, but the trip back to the trailhead was pleasant. Nice job on preparing the way for this attraction. I’ll be back soon!

Archie Hubbard III

2023-09

It is open from Bristol to Mendota(12.5 miles) Most of it is bike worthy all is walkable.Parking: Several locations along the trail. Best to get a map showing locations.

Kenny West

2024-03

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