Things To Do on an eBike in Wilkes County, NC
Wilkes County has two eBike destinations: the Yadkin River Greenway between Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, and the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir mountain bike trails just west of Wilkesboro. The two meet at the Fish Dam Creek section.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allows Class 1 eBikes on the Kerr Scott multi-use trail systems. The Greenway has no published eBike rule, so ask first.
Where to ride in Wilkes County
The Town of Wilkesboro says the Yadkin River Greenway is 8.1 miles long from W. Kerr Scott Dam in Wilkesboro to Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro. The Corps says W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is home to over 40 miles of single track. The Greenway Council says its Fish Dam Creek section, at the base of the dam, connects with that Corps network.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Yadkin River Greenway, Wilkesboro to North Wilkesboro
Distance and surface: 8.1 miles. The Town says a few sections are natural paths and rock dust, but the majority is paved.
Sections: The Greenway Council color codes its sections for 911 calls. It lists River's Edge Park (Blue) at 1.97 miles with three trailheads, starting at the Wilkes YMCA; Mulberry Fields (Green) at 1.90 miles with five trailheads, a fishing pier and the connection between Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro; Historic Jefferson Turnpike (Orange) at 1.33 miles along the Reddies River; Smoot to Memorial Park (Red) at 1.18 miles; W Kerr Scott/Fish Dam Creek (Brown) at 0.59 miles; and Moravian Creek (Gold) at 0.15 miles. A new Lowe's to Cub Creek (Silver) segment is about 0.4 miles.
Hours: The Town says the Greenway is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, except in certain inclement weather.
Closure: On August 24, 2026, the Town of Wilkesboro said it would temporarily close about 800 feet of greenway near River's Edge Park, from the Public Works yard behind Red Roof Inn to the western end of the Taracido Viaduct, plus the Moravian Creek Trailhead parking area and access, for the raw water intake project. It gave no reopening date and said there are no official detours.
eBike rule: The Greenway Council's 2013 brochure says motorized vehicles are not allowed on the path at any time. It does not mention eBikes. North Carolina's G.S. 20-4.01 excludes electric assisted bicycles from the term motor vehicle, but that does not settle a trail rule. From December 1, 2026, Session Law 2026-46 sorts eBikes into Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3, 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. Towns and counties may then restrict eBike classes and set speed limits on paths and sidewalks, so ask the Town of Wilkesboro and follow the posted rules before you ride.
2. W. Kerr Scott Reservoir trails: Dark Mountain, Overmountain Victory and Warrior Creek
What it is: The Corps says the lake has over 40 miles of single track known for bermed turns, in three main networks: Dark Mountain, the Overmountain Victory Trail (OVT) and Warrior Creek. It says most riders park at a main trailhead for shorter rides or set up a shuttle for longer ones.
eBike rule: The Corps e-bike policy, set August 16, 2022, prohibits e-bikes except Class 1, which may be operated on trails designated as multi-use including the Dark Mountain, Overmountain Victory and Warrior Creek trail systems, and on designated roadways within recreation areas and campgrounds. Operation in undesignated areas is prohibited. Fully electric cycles without pedals are not e-bikes under the policy.
Questions: The Corps lists its Visitor Assistance Center at 499 Reservoir Road in Wilkesboro, 336-921-3390.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day, paved Greenway: Ride the Mulberry Fields section, the link between Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, and stop at the fishing pier. Check the August 2026 closure notice first if you plan to continue toward River's Edge Park. Confirm your eBike is welcome before you start.
Full day, single track: On a Class 1 eBike, pick one Kerr Scott network such as Warrior Creek or Dark Mountain, park at its main trailhead and ride a loop you can finish with charge to spare. Riders with a shuttle can link more trails.
What not to ride
A Class 2 or Class 3 eBike, or a fully electric bike without pedals, at W. Kerr Scott. The Corps policy allows only Class 1.
Any eBike off the designated multi-use trails and roadways at W. Kerr Scott. The policy prohibits operation in undesignated areas.
The closed stretch near River's Edge Park. The Town says there is no official detour.
When to ride Wilkes County
The Greenway is open sunrise to sunset year-round, except in certain inclement weather. The Corps trail page lists the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club and the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance under trail information, so check trail conditions before you drive to Kerr Scott.
eBike shops and rentals
Elkin e-bikes & stuff, listed at 679 Martin Byrd Rd in Elkin, says it rents e-bikes from a few hours up to a few weeks, with a full day at $65 including tax and free local delivery. It says it also sells and services e-bikes, and that it is a side business, so call Greg at 336-902-1339 to set a time. Cook's Sports in North Wilkesboro is listed as a bicycle shop. Wiles Ridge Cycle Repairs in Hays is listed as a motorcycle repair shop, so ask whether it works on e-bikes.
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir trails?
Class 1 only. The Corps policy prohibits e-bikes except Class 1, which may be operated on trails designated as multi-use including the Dark Mountain, Overmountain Victory and Warrior Creek trail systems.
How long is the Yadkin River Greenway?
The Town of Wilkesboro says it is 8.1 miles long from W. Kerr Scott Dam in Wilkesboro to Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro, and mostly paved.
Is part of the Yadkin River Greenway closed?
On August 24, 2026, the Town of Wilkesboro said it would temporarily close about 800 feet near River's Edge Park and the Moravian Creek Trailhead parking and access for the raw water intake project, with no set reopening date and no official detours.
Can I ride an eBike on the Yadkin River Greenway?
The Greenway Council's brochure says motorized vehicles are not allowed on the path and does not mention eBikes. From December 1, 2026, state law allows eBikes on multiuse paths unless local rules say otherwise, so ask the Town of Wilkesboro and check posted signs before you ride one.
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.
What are the Yadkin River Greenway hours?
The Town of Wilkesboro says it is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, except in certain inclement weather.
Where can I rent an eBike near Wilkes County?
Elkin e-bikes & stuff in Elkin says it rents e-bikes from a few hours to a few weeks, with a full day at $65 including tax. Call 336-902-1339 to schedule.
Who do I call about W. Kerr Scott e-bike rules?
The Corps lists its Visitor Assistance Center at 499 Reservoir Road in Wilkesboro, 336-921-3390.
All eBike shops in Wilkes County
See the Wilkes County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our North Carolina eBike laws guide for state rules.