Depends entirely on what kind of riding you like, and what kind of rider you are. If you like single-track, some technical, some real steeps, and can go for 10 or 15 miles no-prob, then check out RRT ($3 donation to ride).

If you have legs that won't quit, but don't necessarily like technical stuff (rock gardens, steep-steeps) and are either on the north-side, or don't mind a drive, you can get 30+ miles in of very well maintained trail at Lake Norman State Park.

11 miles of fast, flowing single-track with only a few rock-gardens or TTF's, then Sherman Branch is great.

Don't mind running into the occasional walker/hiker, or complete noob on a bike? And you like the option of some challenging sections, and ability to grab a beer and watch the "scenery" when done? Check out the US National Whitewater Center - about 21 miles there if you do it all. $5/car parking fee.

If you like to ride on a 2x4 for 30 feet, 4 feet in the air, with only a few twists and turns (plus countless other "features"), then Backyard Trail is fun. I usually leave that for the younger guys that really like to huck it up. ;->

6+ miles of rooty, well-maintained, easy/moderate goodness? Col. Francis Beatty Park near Matthews. A couple of laps here is fun, but watch the walkers - especially those that don't think their canines are subject to leash laws.

A good bi-directional trail, and just now getting some much needed TLC from the Trailblazers and local staff is at the Anne Close Springs Greenway just across the border in Ft. Mill. Do everything in both directions and you're somewhere around 17 or 18 miles. Not too technical, a good deal of rooty-ness, and nothing terribly steep.

I missed a few that I'm sure others will jump in to "defend" or promote, and are some local favs - Fisher Farm, Poston, and the "Car Break-in Capital of Charlotte": Renaissance.

Directions and more info on the "Trails" tab up above.

Rocky River Trail.

It speaks for itself

WWC is cool to see and teh trails are very good.  Also, LNSP is a short drive from Charlotte but there is miles and miles of good trails.  I would do the newest loop (Laurel?) with all the new options.

HockeyMark wrote on 09/07/13 at 7:11pm:


HockeyMark, I love the descriptions, very well done.  I'm going to add this to my favorites for the next time somebody asks this question.  However, just a slight exaggeration on the 4 ft high, 30 ft long 2x4 TTF.