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Kevin Becker
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Which is better?
06/16/20 at 9:36am
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Which one do you prefer, Whitewater Center or Lake Norman, and why? I've never been to either and I'm wanting to make a day-trip to one of them in the near future and ride extensively. I really like Sherman Branch's level of difficulty as a point of reference.
  
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Steck
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #1 - 06/16/20 at 12:27pm
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They are both great trail systems.  IMO, WWC has more trail diversity (old school and flow) while LKN is almost all fast and flowy.  Both also have some great views of the lake/river , can't go wrong with either trail system.  I ride WWC many days/week but still look forward to the occasional trip to LKN.  At LKN, do ride Mombo, one of the best in the area in either direction.  Also, LKN reverses direction each Jan.1, adds a little variety.  ENJOY!
  
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DSO
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #2 - 06/16/20 at 1:05pm
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Kevin Becker wrote on 06/16/20 at 9:36am:
Which one do you prefer, Whitewater Center or Lake Norman, and why? I've never been to either and I'm wanting to make a day-trip to one of them in the near future and ride extensively. I really like Sherman Branch's level of difficulty as a point of reference.


LNSP has some fun trails and pretty scenery. I would go there more often if I lived on that side of town.

I ride USNWC most of the time because:
- With 40 miles of trails I can ride for hours and not repeat a trail or loop
- Post ride beer and people watching
- Post ride shower (I didn't check to see if showers were open last weekend)
- A lot of energy with the activities and people
- Trails are well-maintained, especially you consider 40-miles worth. That's a lot of debris with the frequent storms that blow through this region
- You can ride at night year-round. There's a guard 24/7 to let in/out

The downside is that this past weekend the USNWC was packed without any social distancing or masks. I stayed away from the crowded spots. 
  
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Kevin Becker
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #3 - 06/16/20 at 6:14pm
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Great feedback. I'm near Charlotte Motor Speedway so either is a bit of a haul, but want a bit of diversity. Sounds like WWC is going to be my first choice. Probably going to go a random midweek, midday so hopefully not a huge crowd.

But definitely will check out LKN when I have time.
  
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TrillWill
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #4 - 06/16/20 at 11:26pm
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I live 15 min from LKN and ride there as my regular spot.  Monbo is a go to for sure.  The Wildlife loops are my favorite out there (Wildlife, fallstown, fox).

enjoy
  
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Dad2TnR
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #5 - 06/18/20 at 6:15pm
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LKN for the fun factor, WWC for the post-ride shenanigans.
  
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Tom F
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #6 - 06/18/20 at 11:21pm
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Lake Norman for me and Mr Ranger patrols the parking lot. WWC is too far. Heavy use on weekends. Food is overpriced and unless there has been improvement in the last few years service is extremely slow. 
  
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waxhaw
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #7 - 06/20/20 at 12:15pm
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The WWC food and beer service is not as slow as LKN service.  Grin

I prefer the WWC. IMO it’s more challenging and diverse.  However both are great and to have two systems of that size in the same area, we are extremely lucky.  Most areas are lucky to have one 10 mile trail.
  
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TrillWill
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #8 - 06/21/20 at 6:06pm
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For post ride grub and beverages at LKN get Randy's BBQ to go and bring it to the Cedar Stump pub (both places a couple blocks away form each other in downtown Troutman).  Randy's is cash only (they have an ATM) and the Cedar Stump has a great selection of beers.  The Cedar Stump also donates to trail projects at the LKN trails!
« Last Edit: 06/21/20 at 6:25pm by TrillWill »  
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Kevin Becker
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #9 - 07/22/20 at 10:55am
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We ended up going to LKN and it was a lot of fun. We did nearly 20 of the 30 miles out there. We look forward to going back and definitely hitting them up in 2021 and going the other direction.

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Dad2TnR
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #10 - 07/23/20 at 3:17pm
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Good call skipping Laurel on an even year. Laurel is a must ride in odd years (for me)...far less fun in even years.
  
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drdirt55
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Re: Which is better?
Reply #11 - 07/23/20 at 3:41pm
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Monbo is my go to right now since it is in the best shape it's been in years. If I have time for a longer ride, I ride Laurel to Wildlife (all), fire road back to finish last part of Laurel.
  
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