Things To Do on an eBike in Surry County, NC
Surry County's best eBike riding is Mount Airy's Granite City Greenway, about 8 miles along the Ararat River and Lovill's Creek. In Elkin, the Elkin & Alleghany Rail-Trail follows Big Elkin Creek for about 2 miles. Neither publishes its own eBike rule, so read the state law section and check posted signs.
This guide covers only routes inside Surry County. The Yadkin River Greenway is in Wilkes County and is not listed here.
Where to ride in Surry County
The City of Mount Airy lists the Granite City Greenway System at 8 miles, open from dawn to dusk. It links Riverside Park, HB Rowe Environmental Park, Tharrington Park and Veterans Park.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Ararat River Greenway Segment, Riverside Park to Tharrington Park
Route: The Ararat River segment is just over 2 miles along the Ararat River, from Riverside Park to Tharrington Park, with access to HB Rowe Environmental Park. An extension continues from Riverside Park to Technology Lane.
2. Confluence Greenway Segment, Tharrington Park to Worth Street
Route: The Confluence segment runs slightly over 2 miles along the Ararat River and Lovills Creek to their meeting point, linking the Ararat River and Emily B. Taylor segments.
3. Emily B. Taylor Greenway Segment, Worth Street to Veterans Park
Route: Mount Airy's first greenway, about 2 miles long. It passes Mount Airy High School and Creekside Cinema on the way to Veterans Park.
4. Elkin & Alleghany Rail-Trail, Elkin
Route: The Town of Elkin describes a walking and biking trail on the old railroad bed from Elkin Municipal Park to the town reservoir. Yadkin Valley tourism puts it at about 2 miles one way along Big Elkin Creek, with a spillway dam about 0.4 miles in, benches, a small shelter, restrooms and two large bridges.
Trail rule: Bikes are asked to ride at a safe, slow speed around walkers. The Elkin Creek Mountain Bike Trail starts from this greenway and closes after heavy rain.
North Carolina eBike rules
Neither Mount Airy nor Elkin publishes a separate eBike rule for these trails. 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 in Mount Airy and Elkin before you ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Ararat River segment from Riverside Park to Tharrington Park and back, a little over 4 miles.
Full day: Ride the whole Granite City Greenway from Riverside Park to Veterans Park and back, then drive to Elkin for the Elkin & Alleghany Rail-Trail.
What not to ride
The Yadkin River Greenway as a local ride. It is in Wilkes County.
Fast riding on the Elkin greenway. The town asks bikes to keep a safe, slow speed around walkers.
The Elkin Creek Mountain Bike Trail after heavy rain. It is closed while muddy and wet.
When to ride Surry County
The Granite City Greenway is open from dawn to dusk.
eBike shops and service
Cycleworks Performance Bike Shop, at 1325 W Pine St in Mount Airy, offers bicycle sales and service and lists Fantic and Stacyc eBikes among its brands. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 to 4. Foothills Cycling and Mt Airy Cyclery are listed as bike shops but have no websites to check.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Granite City Greenway?
The City of Mount Airy lists 8 miles across its segments.
What are the Granite City Greenway hours?
Dawn to dusk.
Where does the Ararat River Greenway start?
At Riverside Park. It runs just over 2 miles to Tharrington Park.
Can I bike the Elkin & Alleghany Rail-Trail?
Yes. The town calls it a walking and biking trail and asks bikes to ride at a safe, slow speed.
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.
Where can I find eBikes in Surry County?
Cycleworks Performance Bike Shop in Mount Airy lists Fantic and Stacyc eBikes among its brands.
All eBike shops in Surry County
See the Surry County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our North Carolina eBike laws guide for state rules.