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First Broad River Trail

(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
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The First Broad River Trail is a natural surface trail that follows the First Broad River. This is a 1.5-mile trail which runs under a steel railroad trestle and over the First Broad River via a 170-foot-long suspension bridge.
Trail Uses
Accessible Experience Walking / hiking / running Mountain biking
Location
Shelby (NC)
Length
1.50 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Surface
Natural surface
Motorized Vehicles
Unknown
Fees
No
Pets
Permitted on leash
Parking Spaces
20
Restrooms
No
Hours
Dawn - Dusk
Details

Description

This section of the Carolina Thread Trail is a 1.5-mile natural surface trail which follows the First Broad River in Shelby, NC. Take in the great views from this trail which runs under a steel railroad trestle and over the First Broad River via a 170-foot-long suspension bridge. Ramp decks are located on both ends of the bridge to provide accessibility. The river outlook is perfect for wildlife and bird viewing and a hand-carry boat launch conveniently located near the trailhead parking lot offers easy access for paddling.

Other Information

Visit the City of Shelby's website for more information.

Trail Manager

Contact for more information:

City of Shelby
850 W Sumter St
Shelby, NC 28150

704-484-6811
View website

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Slippery When Wet
Some trails will be slippery after a rain or if they are covered in fallen leaves. Watch your step!
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Trailhead Information

Parking Address and Trailhead Location: West Grover Street, Shelby, NC 28150 MAP

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Comments (17)
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thendrick
June 08, 2025
I agree with ARRRH7. I think there are plenty of people in the community that would be willing to volunteer labor and/or money to get this done. I certainly am.
arrrh7
April 23, 2025
Are there any plans to restore/replace the footbridge? Who would know about this? I don't mind contributing money and/or labor if there is any way we can get this done.
hikingteacher
March 08, 2025
The hanging bridge is gone. Trails have been blazed along the bank. The park itself is good for running your dog or walking the bank to the river, playing or flying a kite.
May 10, 2024
Hi Abby,

We just checked with our partners up there and the trail is open again!

-Carolina Thread Trail team
aag2015
May 10, 2024
the trail is still closed?
April 01, 2024
Hi Lola,

We just checked in with our partners and we're hearing that it should be open again in 2-3 weeks!
-Carolina Thread Trail Team
millie1227
April 01, 2024
When is the trail going to be reopened? It has been closed for maintenance for a while now. Thanks!
shawnjprice
October 17, 2023
Nice trail! Would be even nicer if the road and parking could get paved! I would visit more often!!
April 10, 2023
Hi Jerry,

Thank you so much for letting us know about this! We'll pass the message on to our municipal partners who maintain the trail so it can be addressed asap.

-Carolina Thread Trail Team
mike601
April 08, 2023
I am a regular hiker on the trail and have noticed that the bridge is tilting more and more seems each time I go! It's tilting at about 30% now but is getting worse and someone needs to go check this out pronto.
June 29, 2022
Hi Kelly,
Yes, the bridge is officially open again! It's even bigger and more impressive than the previous bridge. Definitely worth checking out!
-CTT Team
dia_shewolf
June 28, 2022
Does anyone have an update on whether the bridge is open again yet?
pduncan12
April 04, 2022
As of 4/03/2022 Bridge is about halfway complete
January 07, 2022
Hi Jennifer,

The section of the trail with the suspension bridge is still closed, with an anticipated reopening at the end of February. However, the trail is open and accessible from the parking lot of the Ingles at West Dixon Blvd and Polkville Rd.
-Carolina Thread Trail Team
jp289
January 06, 2022
Hi, is the trail open again? Thanks!
December 28, 2021
Thank you for letting us know about this. We will reach out to our municipal partner to get more information on the trail closure. In the meantime, we hope you can find one of our other trails to enjoy!
dougd
December 28, 2021
Trail is CLOSED at W Grover street entrance. Surly construction worker made us aware in an unnecessarily harsh manner.
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At least one trail in this system is currently closed. Please check the details tab for more information.
Photos
(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
(Credit: Photo by courtesy of City of Shelby)
(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
(Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
First Broad River Trail
First Broad River Trail
Carolina thread trail marker love it (Credit: Chapmansvantagepoint)
Chief had a blast too!!
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