Find the top rated mountain biking trails in North Carolina, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Can make a 10 mike loop using several trails plus ride a couple surface streets. Very nice loop.
My wife and I enjoyed a 24-mile out-and-back ride on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. This well-maintained trail took us through several small towns on the way to Forest City, which has a beautiful downtown with shops and places to eat. I knocked off a star for two reasons: 1) There are some areas along the trail with razor wire fencing, nothing sketchy-feeling, but definitely not scenic; 2) There are a LOT of road crossings and some of them are busy. The area has worked hard to build this trail and it will get better over time as amenities like restrooms are added at the trailheads.
One of many varied trails in the area. Nice smooth paved trail
Rode the trail starting in Erwin by the Mill. The ride was great. Needs a little trimming in places but was beautiful trail through the area. Took a little ride into town on the Dunn’s side. Just a few blocks from end of trail to downtown. Recommend stopping at Sherry’s Bakery. Great food. At the the other end in downtown Erwin you have the Pizza House and Burney’’s Bakery. You will not regret stopping there. The rail trail is about 10 miles round trip. Easy ride.
Looking for a good workout? This trail will fit the bill. Some inclines to push through and lots of straightaways.
Difficult to get to by bicycle. Lots of narrow surrounding roads with no shoulder. Best to transport your bike there.
Very hilly. Currently has confusing detours. Not a bad trail. Good route from Cornelius down to Birkdale village. Slippery when wet!
I do this loop a couple times a week. It’s a series of greenways and residential roads forming a “loop”. Be prepared for some hills. I use an ebike so there are no issues. It does have a lot of wood bridges which can get slippery when it’s damp.
I’ve ridden this twice since Helene. Once last Fall and then again in March 2025. There isn’t much traffic since the road is closed at the bridge — which is about half way. Bikes can cross the bridge and ride around the road damage past the bridge. It would be 5 stars for scenery if it weren’t for the fact there are still cars — just fewer than normal. Helene was such a devastating storm. ¿¿Appalachia Strong!
Rode this with the entire family today, beautiful day and the trail is everything a person could ask for. Woods, waterfalls covered bridges, boardwalk bridges, kids loved it. Down here in North Carolina from Michigan visiting the kids and grandkids, glad we brought our bikes.
Too bad it ends nowhere on the south extremity.
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