Things To Do on an eBike in Johnston County, NC
Johnston County's eBike riding is on paved greenways along the Neuse River. Clayton has Sam's Branch Greenway and the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse. Smithfield has the Buffalo Creek Greenway. All three are part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail corridor.
This guide covers only routes inside Johnston County. The American Tobacco Trail and Abbotts Creek Trail are in other counties and are not listed here.
Where to ride in Johnston County
There are two riding areas. In Clayton, Sam's Branch Greenway leads to the Clayton River Walk. In Smithfield, the Buffalo Creek Greenway links town parks to the Neuse River Walk. Both are ten feet wide and paved.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Sam's Branch Greenway, Clayton
Distance and surface: The Town of Clayton lists Sam's Branch Greenway as a 1.25-mile, 10-foot-wide paved pedestrian and biking trail. It runs from the trailhead at 1358 N O'Neil Street to the Neuse River, where it meets the Clayton River Walk.
Distances from the trailhead: The town gives 1.25 miles to the Neuse River, 5.25 miles to the Wake County line and 33 miles to Falls Lake Dam in Raleigh. Only the first 5.25 miles are in Johnston County.
2. Clayton River Walk on the Neuse
Distance and surface: The town describes a 4-mile, 10-foot-wide paved trail that begins at the Wake County line and follows the Neuse River. It is a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and has been designated part of the East Coast Greenway.
Start: The trailhead and parking are at 2686 Covered Bridge Road, half a mile from the pedestrian bridge over the Neuse and 2.25 miles from the Sam's Branch trailhead.
3. Buffalo Creek Greenway, Smithfield
Distance and surface: The Town of Smithfield lists the Buffalo Creek Greenway at 2.94 miles, with a 10-foot paved surface and 2-foot stone shoulders. It has four steel bridges, 250 feet of boardwalk and no at-grade road crossings.
Route: The entrance is at the back of Smithfield Community Park. The trail follows the Spring Branch to the Neuse River Walk at Smithfield Town Commons, links four town parks and has five trailhead parking lots. Johnston County Parks lists the downtown access at 295 N Front St, open dawn to dusk.
North Carolina eBike rules
None of the three greenway pages above publishes a separate eBike rule. The state rules change on December 1, 2026, under Session Law 2026-46 (House Bill 1094):
- eBikes are sorted into Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Class 3 bikes give pedal assist up to 28 mph.
- eBikes may use all roadways, bike lanes and multiuse paths, unless a city, county or state park rule says otherwise.
- Riders and passengers under 18 on a Class 3 eBike must wear a helmet.
- Cities and counties may restrict eBike classes and set speed limits on multiuse paths and sidewalks.
Because towns can now set their own path rules, check posted signs at Clayton and Smithfield trailheads before you ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Buffalo Creek Greenway from Smithfield Community Park to Town Commons and back, just under 6 miles round trip with no road crossings.
Full day: Start at the Sam's Branch trailhead in Clayton and ride to the Wake County line and back, about 10.5 miles. The town says the trail system continues to Falls Lake Dam in Raleigh, 33 miles from the trailhead.
What not to ride
Greenways after dark in Smithfield. The county lists the Buffalo Creek access as open dawn to dusk.
Routes in other counties. The American Tobacco Trail and Abbotts Creek Trail are not in Johnston County.
When to ride Johnston County
Ride in daylight; the county lists the Smithfield greenway access as open dawn to dusk. These are shared 10-foot paths used by walkers and families, so slow down and pass with care.
eBike shops and service
All Out Bikes, at 106 South Main Street in Four Oaks, sells bikes and skateboards and offers service; call 919-628-1089. The other listings below include a motorcycle shop and an ATV dealer, so call ahead to confirm eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I ride an eBike in Johnston County?
The paved greenways along the Neuse: Sam's Branch Greenway and the Clayton River Walk in Clayton, and the Buffalo Creek Greenway in Smithfield.
How long is the Clayton River Walk?
The Town of Clayton lists it as a 4-mile, 10-foot-wide paved trail along the Neuse River, part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Where do I park for the Clayton River Walk?
The trailhead and parking are at 2686 Covered Bridge Road. Sam's Branch Greenway has its own trailhead at 1358 N O'Neil Street.
How long is the Buffalo Creek Greenway?
The Town of Smithfield lists it at 2.94 miles, paved, with no at-grade road crossings and five trailhead parking lots.
What changes for eBikes in North Carolina on December 1, 2026?
Session Law 2026-46 creates three eBike classes, allows eBikes on roadways, bike lanes and multiuse paths unless local or state park rules say otherwise, and requires helmets for riders under 18 on Class 3 eBikes.
Can Johnston County towns limit eBikes on greenways?
Yes. From December 1, 2026, cities and counties may restrict eBike classes and set speed limits on multiuse paths and sidewalks, so check trailhead signs.
Is the American Tobacco Trail in Johnston County?
No. It is outside Johnston County, so this guide does not list it.
All eBike shops in Johnston County
See the Johnston County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our North Carolina eBike laws guide for state rules.