The best walks and hikes around Bristol
4.8
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Hiking around Bristol offers routes that explore local parks and lakeside settings. The area is characterized by accessible trails through woodlands and around bodies of water like Steele Creek Lake. The terrain is generally composed of rolling paths with moderate elevation changes, suitable for a variety of hikes.
Best hiking trails around Bristol
- The most popular hiking route is Steele Creek Park loop, a 5.7 mile (9.2 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. This moderate hike features varied paths within Steele Creek Park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Steele Creek Lake loop via Lakeside Trail — Bristol, Virginia, a moderate 4.7 mile (7.6 km) path. The route follows the shoreline of the lake, offering consistent waterside scenery.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Sugar Hollow Park loop via Deer Trail Chase Trail, a 2.7 mile (4.3 km) trail leading through Sugar Hollow Park, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Bristol is defined by parkland trails and lakeside loops. The network of routes provides both easy and moderate options for hikers.
- The routes in Bristol are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from a handful of reviews. More than 20 hikers have used komoot to explore Bristol's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
2.36km
00:36
0m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.18km
01:53
210m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
7.19km
02:07
190m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.76km
01:28
210m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
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14
hikers
7.61km
02:07
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Bristol
Tips from the Community
Steele Creek Lake is the centerpiece of Steele Creek Park. There are trails around the perimeter of the lake for hikers, as well as pedal boat rentals for those that wish to get out on the water.
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The Steele Creek Park Lake is the centerpiece of the park. The mountain biking and hiking trails circle around the lake on both sides and provide varying difficulties of trails and obstacles for riders. The Lakeside Trail is one of the flatter and smoother (thus more popular) trails in the park, but you can branch off of this trail in several different spots if you want a harder or longer hike.
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The Steele Creek Park Lake is the centerpiece of the park. The mountain biking and hiking trails circle around the lake on both sides and provide varying difficulties of trails and obstacles for riders. The Lakeside Trail is one of the flatter and smoother (thus more popular) trails in the park, but you can branch off of this trail in several different spots if you want a harder or longer ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Bristol?
Yes, there's a good selection of trails. You can find around 10 designated hiking routes in the area, offering a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit your plans.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Bristol?
The trails around Bristol are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible parkland settings and the scenic paths that loop around local bodies of water like Steele Creek Lake.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Definitely. A great option for a relaxed outing is the Sugar Hollow Park loop via Deer Trail Chase Trail. It's a fairly short walk of about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) on gentle terrain, making it well-suited for families.
Can I find a good circular walk near Bristol?
Yes, many of the best routes are loops. For a scenic circular hike with lakeside views, consider the Steele Creek Lake loop via Lakeside Trail. It follows the shoreline and provides consistent waterside scenery throughout the walk.
What is the terrain like on the hikes around Bristol?
The terrain is generally characterized by rolling paths through woodlands and parklands. Most routes feature moderate elevation changes rather than steep, sustained climbs, making them accessible for most regular hikers.
Are there any shorter hikes available?
Yes, for a quick and easy hike, the Sugar Hollow Park loop via Black Forest Trail is a great choice. It's just over 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and can typically be completed in under an hour.
I'm looking for a longer, more challenging hike. What do you recommend?
For a more substantial hike, the Steele Creek Park loop is a popular choice. This moderate trail covers about 5.7 miles (9.2 km) and takes you on varied paths through the park, offering a good workout.
What are the views like on the trails?
The scenery is primarily focused on natural parkland and waterside views. Many trails, especially those in Steele Creek Park, follow the shoreline of the lake, providing peaceful and consistent water vistas.
Are the trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, Bristol is a great place for beginner hikers. There are several easy routes with minimal elevation gain. A good starting point is the Sugar Hollow Park north loop, which offers a straightforward walk through the park.
What kind of environment can I expect on the trails?
You can expect well-maintained trails that wind through local parks and woodlands. The routes often feature a mix of shaded forest paths and open areas along lakesides, creating a pleasant and varied hiking experience.
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