MTB Project Logo

Fun, flowy route!


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

9.9

Miles

16.0

KM

100%

Singletrack

347' 106 m

High

169' 51 m

Low

747' 228 m

Up

745' 227 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features -none-

As of 2021, these trails are directional, rotating each month. January 2021's direction is counterclockwise. Check the sign at the first intersection for the current direction. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Overview

This recommended route uses parts of all three bike trails in Raven Rock State Park. The trails are smooth with lots of drainage dips and a good mix of climbs and descents for a fun ride.

Need to Know

As of 2021, these trails are directional, rotating each month. January 2021's direction is counterclockwise. Check the sign at the first intersection for the current direction.

Description

The clockwise route starts at the MTB parking lot. The first intersection reached is where the directional sign is located. The direction you can ride these trails is posted here and rotates monthly. This route describes the clockwise direction, which turns left at the first intersection.

The route follows the Beginner Trail which is wide, flowy, and fairly fast. The trail designers made great use of the terrain, leading riders up and down and around ridges. The Beginner Mountain Laurel Loop trail tread was built wider to be accessible and accommodate handcycles.

Watch out for the wooden bridges. Most of them require an abrupt turn to enter and exit. The surface can be slippery if covered with rain, wet leaves, or mud. Carrying too much speed into them can result in an off-trail experience!

At the first trail intersection, this route splits right to follow the Advanced Loop Trail, which has a slightly narrower tread than the Beginner Trail. Follow the Advanced Loop as it crosses the Beginner Trail once and then ends at the Beginner Trail.

Curves are definitely an appeal of trail riding, but some of the sharp turns on these trails are placed right after a berm or large tree. Make sure you look ahead as you ride so you don't end up going too fast to make these tight turns!

After following the Beginner Loop for a short distance, the route turns left onto the Intermediate Loop. The Intermediate Loop winds its way around several ridges and comes closer to the creek on the south side of the park. There can be a few wet areas on this part of the route, even when the trails are open. The Intermediate Loop ends at the Beginner Loop.

The route then follows the Beginner Loop past the campground and back to the first intersection. A left turn leads you back to the MTB parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Don Childrey

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 7 votes

#2481

Overall
  4.1 from 7 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
57%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#111

in North Carolina

#2,481

Overall
34 Views Last Month
1,251 Since Jan 17, 2021
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
33%
33%
17%
0%
0%

Photos

Mt. Laurel Loop Trail winds through the forest at Raven Rock.
Oct 29, 2017 near Lillington, NC
Entrance to the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail.
Oct 29, 2017 near Broadway, NC
Bridge on the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail.
Oct 29, 2017 near Lillington, NC
Directional travel instructions sign as of December 2020.
Dec 30, 2020 near Broadway, NC
Riding the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail at the end of October.
Oct 29, 2017 near Broadway, NC
Sign shows which direction to ride or hike depending on the day of the week.
Oct 29, 2017 near Broadway, NC
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 29, 2023
David Montgomery
Trail is open, very dry and the only caution is a few sandy spots but overall in good shape.
Oct 10, 2022
Duane Doe
7.3mi
Apr 2, 2022
Craig McKerlie
This is a fun ride on both the beginner and intermediate trails. Good place to gain some confidence. Intermediate trail has some real speed sections. 7.7mi — 1h 33m
Mar 21, 2022
Jon S
Nov 1, 2021
Jamie East
My wife and I rode this with ease. Nice trail. 6.6mi — 2h 00m
Dec 30, 2020
Don Childrey
9.8mi
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.