They may not wear capes or have pithy catchphrases but make no mistake, the Tarheel Trailblazers are superheroes nonetheless.
These champions of the singletrack are responsible for building, and maintaining, more than 100 miles of mountain bike trail in and around Charlotte.
Want to admire their work?
Here are six Charlotte area mountain bike parks, one for every type of rider.
For the Charlotte native: Sherman Branch
Sherman Branch is a mainstay in east Charlotte. The system is made up of three trails. The Main Trail is fairly fast with a nice collection of berms and skinnies. Off to the left, the Roller Coaster Trail is a couple fast, fun miles of rollers. The Big Lake Trail at the back of the park has a challenging rock garden but is pretty tame otherwise.
There’s a gravel road from the parking lot that bisects the trail system, so you always have an out if you need it.
Total miles: 11.6
For the beginner or long distance rider: Lake Norman State Park
The hilly, forested topography of Lake Norman State Park and it’s 30-ish miles of singletrack make it the best place in the Charlotte area for a long fitness ride. Rarely technical, save for a few steep hills, LNSP is suitable for all riders. And the thick forest that grows here means lots of shade in summer.
For the beginner, the Monbo Loop is a fun and flowy six miles.
Total miles: 30
For anyone: U.S. National Whitewater Center
The trail system at the USNWC seems to grow every other week. Recent trail additions include Panda, Smokey, and Bandit, a 4-mile series of trails across the street from the centers main entrance. They’re soft and smooth, without the roots and rocks of other trails here.
Speaking of other trails, there are many to choose from. Goat Hill is the choice for a steep climb and fun drop. And the Lake Loop is an excellent training ground for beginners looking for a step up from the greenway.
Total mileage: 40+
For the intermediate rider: Fisher Farms
A bit tighter, bumpier, and more technical than other area parks, Fisher Farms, and the adjacent Allison Farms Regional Park, are well-suited to riders wanting some challenge. For flow lovers, look out for a two-mile addition that will be much faster and feature a whole bunch of jumps!
Total Mileage: 7.7 with more on the way
For the masochist, ahem, experienced rider: Backyard Trails
The Sugar Creek Greenway has taking a bite out of the Backyard Trails, but they’re still the flagship for old-school, technical riding in Charlotte. Jumps, bridges, ladders, this trail has everything. Including hilarious signage.
Total mileage: 13ish