Discover the 25 best parks for serious cyclists in the Triangle
Embark on a journey through the scenic landscapes of the Triangle, where biking enthusiasts find their haven. From challenging ascents to thrilling descents, the Triangle region offers an array of on- and off-road biking routes that cater to cyclists of all levels. Let's dive into the top picks that promise not only breathtaking views but also an adrenaline-pumping cycling experience.
Road rides:
1. Scenic Country Loop
Distance: 28 mi
Elevation: +/- 1105 ft
Location: Wake County, NC
The Scenic Country Loop, nestled in the heart of Wake County, unfolds as a 28-mile tapestry of picturesque countryside. With an elevation gain of approximately 1105 ft, this route caters to riders seeking both scenic beauty and a moderate challenge. Explore the undulating terrains of Wake County while relishing the freedom of the open road.
This trail is right next to Jordan Lake, and part of the loop actually passes over the lake. You can start your ride at the American Tobacco Trail - New Hill Parking Area at 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Road in Apex.
2. Brickhouse Route
Distance: 10.8 mi
Elevation: +/- 743 ft
Location: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh unveils its hidden gem, the Brickhouse Route. This 10.8-mile journey, with a modest elevation gain of +/- 743 ft, provides a delightful mix of urban and suburban landscapes. As you pedal through the streets of Raleigh, revel in the architectural marvels and vibrant energy. The Brickhouse Route, known for its accessibility, is a must for those seeking a quick yet fulfilling road biking escapade.
You can start your ride at 3801 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh.
3. Wimberly ATT Trail
Distance: 29.7 mi
Elevation: +/- 1248 ft
Location: Apex, NC
Apex, NC, unfolds its cycling charm with the Wimberly ATT Trail. Boasting a distance of 29.7 miles and an elevation gain of +/- 1248 ft, this route offers a harmonious blend of urban and natural beauty. Coleman Concierge recognizes Apex as a hub for road biking adventures, and the Wimberly ATT Trail stands out as a testament to the region's commitment to cycling excellence.
To start your ride, go to the American Tobacco Trail parking lot at 1017 Wimberly Road in Apex.
4. Rolling View
Distance: 22.8 mi
Elevation: +/- 947 ft
Location: Leesville, NC
Leesville invites cyclists to experience the Rolling View route, stretching over 22.8 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 947 ft. This road biking gem, as per local insights, combines a serene ride with pockets of challenging inclines. Uncover the beauty of Leesville's landscapes as you pedal through this carefully crafted route.
Start your ride at Soapstone United Methodist Church at 12837 Norwood Road in Raleigh.
5. Over the Lake and Around the Bend
Distance: 31.7 mi
Elevation: +/- 1212 ft
Location: Chatham County, NC
Chatham County unveils a cycling masterpiece with the Over the Lake and Around the Bend route. Encompassing a distance of 31.7 miles and an elevation gain of +/- 1212 ft, this journey takes cyclists on a scenic adventure around lakes and through winding bends. Coleman Concierge highlights Chatham County's commitment to providing cyclists with a diverse and challenging experience.
To start your ride, go to 2575 New Hope Church Road in Cary.
6. Friendship Flats
Distance: 32.4 mi
Elevation: +/- 1252 ft
Location: Wake County, NC
Wake County presents the Friendship Flats route, a 32.4-mile cycling adventure with an elevation gain of +/- 1252 ft. Recognized for its flat stretches and panoramic views, this route is ideal for those seeking a balance between challenge and the joy of cruising along open roads.
To ride this trail, park in the furthest right front parking lot of Friendship High School at 7801 Humie Olive Road in Apex. You can take the nice flat route out towards Gum Springs.
7. Neuse River Ride
Distance: 46.4 mi
Elevation: +/- 1578 ft
Location: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh unveils another gem with the Neuse River Ride, a 46.4-mile expedition with an elevation gain of +/- 1578 ft. This route offers a longer and more challenging journey, perfect for seasoned cyclists seeking an extended adventure along the Neuse River.
Start your ride at 1000 Brookside Drive, Suite 119, in Raleigh.
8. New-Light Trails
Distance: ~10 mi
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest introduces the New-Light Trails, covering 35 miles of cycling bliss. As part of the Old Weaver Trail, this route offers a mix of natural and urban scenery. With its diverse terrain, this trail caters to riders seeking a varied and engaging road biking experience. Only open on Sunday during hunting season (1 sept-May 14).
Address: New Light Trails, 1221 Old Weaver Trail, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Directions:
Start at Crabtree Valley Mall. Get on NC 50 (Creedmoor Rd) and go North.
When you get to NC 98 turn right to go East on NC 98.
You will go about 1.6 miles to the first traffic light. Turn left at the light -- this is New Light Rd.
You will cross Falls Lake -- keep going and at about 3.35 mi (from the traffic light) you will see Old Weaver Trail on your left.
Turn left on Old Weaver Trail. Go 0.5 mile, and you will see a dirt road on your left with evidence of parking on the side of the road.
You can drive down this road for a few hundred feet and park or you can park on the side of road.
9. William B. Umstead State Park
Distance: 24.4 mi
Elevation: +/- 1440 ft
Location: Cary, NC
Cary's William B. Umstead State Park unveils a 24.4-mile route with an elevation gain of +/- 1440 ft. This road biking haven, nestled amidst nature, provides a refreshing escape for cyclists looking to immerse themselves in a combination of challenging trails and serene landscapes.
The Cary entrance is located at 2100 N. Harrison Avenue. The Raleigh entrance is located at 8801 Glenwood Avenue.
10. North Country
Distance: 54.2 mi
Elevation: +/- 4313 ft
Location: Franklin County, VA
Venturing slightly beyond the Triangle, the North Country route in Franklin County, VA, beckons cyclists with a 54.2-mile journey and a substantial elevation gain of +/- 4313 ft. Recognized as a challenging yet rewarding experience, this route offers a taste of road biking adventures beyond the immediate Triangle region.
Start your ride at the Whistle Stop located at 11729 Old Franklin Turnpike Union Hall in Virginia.
Mountain rides:
11. Lake Crabtree County Park
Distance: 8 mi
Location: Morrisville, NC 27560
For those seeking a change of pace, Morrisville's Lake Crabtree County Park unveils an 8-mile mountain biking trail. Although not a road biking route, it stands as a testament to the region's commitment to providing diverse cycling experiences.
Start your ride at 1400 Aviation Parkway in Morrisville.
12. Harris Lake County Park
Distance: 18 mi
Location: New Hill Holleman Rd, New Hill, NC 27562
New Hill invites mountain biking enthusiasts to explore Harris Lake County Park, featuring an 18-mile trail with varying terrains. This park caters to those seeking the thrill of off-road adventures.
Directions from Raleigh: Take Interstate 440 to U.S. Highway 1 South. Take U.S. 1 for 12 miles from the beltline to Exit 89. Take a left and go about 2 miles to the park entrance. Go to the back of the park and turn left into the parking area. The trailhead is labeled "Hog Run Trail."
13. Brumley Nature Preserve
Distance: 15 mi
Location: North of Johnston Mill Nature Preserve and east of Duke Forest, between Durham and Hillsborough
Chapel Hill's Brumley Nature Preserve offers a 15-mile mountain biking trail, providing a mix of technical features and natural beauty. This preserve caters to those yearning for the challenge of off-road cycling.
Start at 3055 New Hope Church Road in Chapel Hill.
14. San-Lee Park
Distance: 9 mi
Location: 760 Pumping Station Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
Sanford's San-Lee Park invites mountain biking enthusiasts to explore its 9-mile trail, combining quick descents with rocky sections.
Directions:
Take 421 South into Sanford.
Exit onto the new Sanford bypass hwy Southeast (Exit 70).
After about 4 miles, exit on Kelly Road and turn left.
One mile later, Kelly Road T intersects with Pumping Station Road. Turn right.
San-lee Park is 1/2 miles on the right side of the road.
Turn into San-Lee Park. Go to the top of the hill to park.
The ride starts up the gravel road from this parking area.
Night riding is not allowed here except for organized group rides.
15. Carolina North Forest
Distance: 18 mi
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill's Carolina North Forest introduces an 18-mile mountain biking trail, featuring a mix of singletrack and wider paths. This forest caters to those seeking the challenge of off-road cycling.
Start your ride at 9115 Seawell School Road in Chapel Hill.
16. Briar Chapel
Distance: 22 mi
Location: Briar Chapel Pkwy, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Chapel Hill's Briar Chapel unveils a 22-mile mountain biking trail, offering a balance of technical features and flowing descents. This trail caters to mountain biking enthusiasts looking to hone their skills.
Start at 900 Tobacco Farm Way in Chapel Hill.
17. Carolina Outdoor Education Center
Distance: 3 mi
Location: Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill's Carolina Outdoor Education Center presents a compact 3-mile mountain biking trail, providing a fun and challenging experience. This center caters to those seeking a quick off-road cycling adventure.
Directions:
The only official parking option is a pay lot on at the Raleigh Road Lot on South Road in Chapel Hill. From here, you will need to cross Raleigh Road on Country Club Road. Pass Ridge Road then Laurel Hill Road. Soon you will come to the Outdoor Education Center driveway where you take a right onto the property. If you make it to the LDS church parking lot, you have gone too far. Once you are at the Outdoor Education Center there are multiple kiosks with maps to orient yourself.
The second parking option is at St. Thomas More Church at 940 Carmichael Street in Chapel Hill. Parking is available near the trailhead except during services –Saturday: 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. When you enter the church property, you will find the trail entrance to the right of the vegetable garden if you face the forest. A kiosk with a map can be found a short distance past the entrance of the trail.
Gravel Rides:
18. Umstead and Crabtree Out and Back
Distance: 26 mi
Elevation: +/- 1732 ft
Location: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh's Umstead and Crabtree Out and Back route unfolds as a 26-mile gravel ride, featuring an elevation gain of +/- 1732 ft. This scenic journey caters to gravel biking enthusiasts seeking a mix of natural beauty and gravel road challenges.
Start at 1900 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh.
19. Greenway Gravel Lollipop
Distance: 29.4 mi
Elevation: +/- 1640 ft
Location: Raleigh, NC
Greenway enthusiasts in Raleigh can explore the Gravel Lollipop route, covering 29.4 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 1640 ft. This ride provides a unique gravel experience, combining the joy of cycling with the tranquility of greenway paths.
Start at 3709 Neil Street in Raleigh.
20. Mixed Surfaces Ride
Distance: 41.1 mi
Elevation: +/- 2812 ft
Location: Cary, NC
Cary introduces the Mixed Surfaces Ride, a 41.1-mile gravel adventure with an elevation gain of +/- 2812 ft. This route caters to gravel biking enthusiasts seeking a challenging mix of surfaces, from gravel roads to paved paths.
Start at Trek Bicycle Cary, which is located at 1377 NW Maynard Road in Cary.
21. North Cary Park Trail Ride
Distance: 31.6 mi
Elevation: +/- 1773 ft
Location: Cary, NC
Cary's North Cary Park Trail Ride spans 31.6 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 1773 ft, providing gravel enthusiasts with a scenic ride through the town. This route offers a mix of gravel paths and natural landscapes.
Start at 1100 Norwell Blvd. in Cary.
22. American Tobacco Trail North/South Route
Distance: 29.7 mi
Elevation: +/- 1248 ft
Location: Apex, NC
Apex introduces the American Tobacco Trail North/South Route, covering 29.7 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 1248 ft. This gravel ride takes cyclists through the charming town of Apex and offers a unique perspective of the region.
Park at 966 Wimberly Road in Apex.
23. New Hill American Tobacco Trail Out and Back
Distance: 30.2 mi
Elevation: +/- 1234 ft
Location: Wake County, NC
Wake County's New Hill American Tobacco Trail Out and Back route spans 30.2 miles with an elevation gain of +/- 1234 ft. This gravel adventure takes cyclists along the scenic American Tobacco Trail, providing a delightful mix of natural beauty and gravel roads.
Start at 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Road in Apex.
24. William B. Umstead State Park
Distance: 24.4 mi
Elevation: +/- 1440 ft
Location: Cary, NC
Cary's William B. Umstead State Park offers a 24.4-mile gravel route with an elevation gain of +/- 1440 ft. This ride unfolds amidst the park's natural beauty, providing gravel enthusiasts with a serene yet challenging experience.
The Cary entrance is located at 2100 N. Harrison Avenue. The Raleigh entrance is located at 8801 Glenwood Avenue.
25. North Country
Distance: 54.2 mi
Elevation: +/- 4313 ft
Location: Franklin County, VA
Venturing beyond the Triangle, the North Country gravel route in Franklin County, VA, spans 54.2 miles with a substantial elevation gain of +/- 4313 ft. This expansive ride offers gravel enthusiasts a taste of adventure beyond the immediate region.
Start your ride at the Whistle Stop located at 11729 Old Franklin Turnpike Union Hall in Virginia.
Discovering more: Expanding your road biking horizons
While the aforementioned routes stand out as the cream of the crop for road biking and gravel riding in the Triangle, the region has even more to offer. As you plan your cycling adventures, consider exploring additional routes, connecting with local cycling communities and seeking out new challenges.
Remember, the joy of cycling lies not only in conquering the trails but in the journey itself. So, saddle up, explore and experience the unparalleled beauty and thrill that the Triangle region has to offer.
