As one of the premier biking destinations in the country, North Carolina has no shortage of places to ride. Whether you’re into cruising a boardwalk by the beach, bikepacking one of nine state designated routes, or getting the adrenaline pumping on downhill singletrack, there’s a North Carolina biking experience to match your vibe. Here’s a look at where to hit the trails in the mountain, Piedmont, and coastal regions of North Carolina.
Mountain Trails
Take on flowy downhill rides, challenging technical trails, and long-distance road biking routes throughout the mountain region of North Carolina. In the Pisgah National Forest and surrounding area, mountain bikers of all levels can ride miles of public trails. Challenge yourself on the 10.3-mile Black Mountain Trail, which includes 2,290 feet of elevation gain en route to the summit.
In addition to plenty of public trails, this region is also home to multiple ticketed bike parks with dedicated mountain bike singletrack. In the Asheville area, lap Ride Kanuga’s eight downhill routes of varying levels until your heart’s content before relaxing at the on-site craft brewery. Or check out nearly 20 miles of shuttle-access trails at the nearby Ride Rock Creek. Just outside of Boone, the bike parks at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts let you maximize your downhill time with chairlifts to the summit.
Farther north, road cyclists can set out for a scenic ride on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Go for a day trip to enjoy famous sections, including Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain. Time your ride for a rest at the Orchard at Altapass, where you’ll find heirloom apples, live traditional music, and dancing in the General Store. Or make it a multi-day bikepack trip to hit more than one section of the route so you don’t miss a single breathtaking view on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Piedmont Pathways
The Piedmont region of North Carolina offers a mix of rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and diverse bike trails, making it an attractive destination for road cyclists and mountain bikers. Just north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park offers mountain bikers nearly 30 miles of fast, flowy singletrack as part of the Itusi Trail System. Bike the 9.9-mile Laurel Loop Trail, which snakes through the forest on moderately challenging terrain. After your ride, cool off at the lake with a dip or a wakeboarding session. In Greensboro, the Downtown Greenway connects cyclists in the city to miles of dirt bike trails without having to get in the car.
Outside of Wilkesboro, crank out the miles on the downhill trails at Cub Creek, where a variety of beginner-friendly loops and more challenging technical sections cater to a range of mountain bikers. At the nearby Animal Park at the Conservator Center, you can visit more than 20 species of animals and learn their ecological importance. Gravel riders can enjoy a lowkey ride on the American Tobacco Trail. Starting from the northern terminus between the American Tobacco Campus and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park the route traverses 22 miles along a historic tobacco transport route in the Triangle Area.
In the northeastern corner of the region, take advantage of the free bike lending program at the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail in Halifax to ride along the 7.5-mile trail that follows the former Roanoke Navigation and Power Canal. Or take the adrenaline 9 miles of mountain biking trails at Medoc Mountain State Park.
Coastal Rides
Relatively flat terrain, stunning ocean views, and charming coastal towns make biking on the North Carolina coast a relaxing experience any biker can enjoy. Pedal 138 miles — or shorter sections of your choosing — on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, which stretches from Beaufort north to Whalebone Junction. Along the way, stop to explore historic lighthouses and beaches or grab a bite in the village communities, local favorites include Tortuga’s Lie in Nags Head, Pop’s Raw Bar & Grill in Buxton, and Howard’s Pub, Ocracoke.
For a more off-the-beaten-path ride, the car-free Bald Head Island in the Brunswick Islands region is a haven for cyclists. Follow more than 36 miles of bike paths through maritime forests and along pristine beaches while enjoying gorgeous coastal views and a quieter pace of life.
Take It All In with a Ride that Does It All
Can’t choose which region to explore? The annual Mountains to Coast Ride might be for you. Each fall, Cycling North Carolina hosts a weeklong ride across the state from west to east. Participants pedal a new route each year — sticking to the scenic backroads and visiting towns off the beaten path to experience North Carolina in a way only possible when you slow down to 16 mph on a bike.
Explore North Carolina Responsibly
Join the movement of mindful bikers and other adventurers exploring North Carolina this summer. Learn how to cycle with care, minimize your impact, and help preserve the beautiful pathways that enhance your adventure on the Outdoor NC website.
This post was sponsored by Visit North Carolina.
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