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USNWC Mountain Bike Trail
Charlotte, North Carolina
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
33 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 11/6/11 by radams89 |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 13 miles | Global Rank: #382 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 185 | Wishlist: 77 |
| Avg. Speed: 8.02 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 3min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,076/-1,023 ft | |
 1 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: The Catawba trail observes closures due to weather to preserve the trail...before riding, please call 704-391-3900, option 4 or http://www.tarheeltrailblazers.com/ for daily trail conditions.
Approximately 10 miles of singletrack and jeep roads rise 70 feet from the banks of the Catawba River to challenge mountain bikers of every skill level. River views, lungbusting climbs, and technical descents combine to create some of the best mountain biking in the area - all just a 15 minute drive from uptown Charlotte. Optional trails such as: Figure 8, The Point, Carpet Trail, Goat Hill, Weigh Station, and Toilet Bowl are all connected by the Main Trail to create one continuous, easy-to-follow loop. There are also some unnamed options...two very quick downhill descents off of the Goat Hill trail and a downhill slalom track in the clearing next to the exit from the Toilet Bowl trail. The trails at the USNWC are technically difficult in certain sections and are not for first-time riders. Helmets and bikes designed for steep singletrack riding are required.
Description: The Catawba trail observes closures due to weather to preserve the trail...before riding, please call 704-391-3900, option 4 or http://www.tarheeltrailblazers.com/ for daily trail conditions.
Approximately 10 miles of singletrack and jeep roads rise 70 feet from the banks of the Catawba River to challenge mountain bikers of every skill level. River views, lungbusting climbs, and technical descents combine to create some of the best mountain biking in the area - all just a 15 minute drive from uptown Charlotte. Optional trails such as: Figure 8, The Point, Carpet Trail, Goat Hill, Weigh Station, and Toilet Bowl are all connected by the Main Trail to create one continuous, easy-to-follow loop. There are also some unnamed options...two very quick downhill descents off of the Goat Hill trail and a downhill slalom track in the clearing next to the exit from the Toilet Bowl trail. The trails at the USNWC are technically difficult in certain sections and are not for first-time riders. Helmets and bikes designed for steep singletrack riding are required.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Kitsuma in Black Mountain
North Meck Park in Huntersville
Warrior Creek At Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkesboro
Dark Mountain Trail in Wilkesboro
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by Davemtbkayak on January 17, 2012
One of Charlotte's best trails! I use to live 3 miles from the USNWC and rode these trails 5x a week (often at 9pm at night in the winter w/ the trails to myself and 3 or so other riders) and they never got old. PLEASE... don't complain about the $40 PER YEAR parking pass! Most of us spend more on beer in a week. Great trails. Great cardio workout. Well maintained. Goat hill (both runs), Carpet Trail and Toilet Bowl are great. Figure 8 isn't hard as far as cardio but a damn blast. I'd say USNWC, Anne Springs and Sherman are the best trails in the Charlotte area. If you haven't ridden USNWC then you are missing out.* Review edited 1/17/2012
* Review edited 1/17/2012
Similar Trail: Anne Springs, Sherman and Poplar Tent
reviewed by radams89 on September 29, 2011
Listen to me: NOTHING else compares in the Charlotte area. Nothing. Check out the black loops, especially the Toilet Bowl. If you aren't on the green lake loop, this is an athletic trail. Best maintained trail I've been on. Something for everyone except the big jump types. Fast, technical, some tough climbs, and hours of exciting sections. It completely breaks the mold as far as local trails go. Sadly, they really don't like to open the trails if they're wet at all... Check the website for trail status. $5 to park
* Review edited 11/6/2011
reviewed by AndMan on August 13, 2011
This place is a fascinating compound of outdoorsy activities, which was both enticing and distracting. You would not want this to be your go-to trail as the commercialized environment detracts from the seclusion and anonymity of mountain biking. However, as far as the trail, I loved it and would absolutely go back. Trail is really fast, great flow and just the right amount of climbing. I have come to the conclusion that what I enjoy about mountain biking is... well, actually being able to ride my mountain bike. I could care less about 7K feet of elevation climb or 3 seconds of a "killer" downhill. I want a well designed / cut / maintained / flowing trail where I can actually ride my bike. Catawba delivers on all fronts and is a 5 star experience when you factor in amenities, simple to follow trail markings and buttery smooth singletrack fun factor.
reviewed by eastwood on May 1, 2011
FAST trails. Rode the green with the wife (her first foray into singletrack) and it was great. Certainly the right trail for true first timers. Otherwise, it would be a super fast warm up loop. Took the blue/main trail solo and again proved to be a super fast fun ride. If I had seen a map before I would have hit up the black diamonds in the loop but wasn't sure of the configuration. Some short climbs in there but not much on the technical side of things, just a super fast ride. FUN!
reviewed by bikecowboy on April 17, 2011
I have to kind of go along with mjmildew...i was in the area working and there was a little shower one night and the next day the trail was closed! Luckily I was able to ride the next day and there wasn't a trace of moisture on the trail. They sold me the $2 map and then I lost it on the trail plus paid $5 to park. The ride was pretty good for the area though. Pretty typical for that part of the country. Well marked with a decent flow. Ride hard and you can get a good workout. Weird though...no mountains but they have whitewater.
Similar Trail: Harbison in SC
reviewed by websterjl on March 29, 2011
This facility has a good well rounded mix of trails. Being that they rent Giant brand hardtail bikes a lot of beginner/novice riders will enjoy the "green" trails. My favorites are the toilet bowl & carpet trail, get a nice workout with some long &/or chalanging up hills and they have some fun down hills.
Similar Trail: sherman branch, renaissance park
reviewed by mjmildew on March 28, 2011
Spent spring break in Florida road and mountain biking with my son. We timed the return drive so we could spend the night in Charlotte, then do a trail ride the next morning, before returning to WV. After a rainy night spent in Charlotte, we arrived at the park around 9am. I've been mountain biking for 15 years, but what happened next was a first. We were told the mountain bike trails were closed due to the rain. I chuckled as we left, never to return. The government had closed the woods due to wetness. What a joke! They did, however, offer to sell me a trail map before I left. We drove to Little Beaver State Park in Beaver, WV and rode on their snow covered, but open, trails.
reviewed by baddad549 on January 16, 2011
Second time I rode this one was awesome. Great downhills after some steep climbs. Some of everything here. Make a weekend of it, raft in the morning, bike in the afternoon.
reviewed by WeRND95 on July 16, 2010
This ride has everything, fast downhills, and some steep (but relatively short) climbs. Any place that also has a bar on site is tops in my book.
reviewed by sturides on June 27, 2010
First time at the USNWC. An incredible facility and great trails. I rode in the NC State Games Race - North Main Trail , Goat Hill +, very fast downhills, short but steep climbs, moderate technical.
reviewed by ericmo80 on June 25, 2010
So far I've only ventured onto the Green Loop and North Main trails. The Green Loop is definitely great for beginners but overall lackluster and boring for anyone who knows how to ride a little. The "intermediate" North Main trail, despite some spectacular views, was also pretty dull and seemed easier than an intermediate trail should be. Finally, the trails in this park were dirty - littered with water bottles. If the USNWC is going to charge us to use trails that were there before them they could at least use the money to maintain them and keep them clean! Ultimately not worth the $5 you pay for parking.
reviewed by TheXcBiker on October 11, 2009
Uber fun. Its got everything hills, fast decents, and some pretty technical parts. When your done biking theres also alot of other fun things to do in the park like white water rafting, rockclimbing and mega ziplines.
Similar Trail: Dark Mountain, Wilkesboro
reviewed by Graylin_King on July 12, 2009
This is a great trail where you can get some burn and flow I think my favorite was the toilet bowl but really the whole trail is great. The texture of dirt is similair to Tsali so traction is great and the trail is super well maintained
Similar Trail: Hogs Run at Harris Lake
reviewed by marshbum on July 5, 2009
My wife and I started moutain biking this year and tried the new "green" trail. Very nice ride for beginners, trail very well marked, elevation changes are gradual so you can still get a workout without getting too technical. Only issue is I wish there was an updated map of this trail for reference. Great place ot spend the day and ride :)
Similar Trail: Sherman Branch
reviewed by Reserverockhopper on May 16, 2009
The Tarheel Trailblazers have done an outstanding job with the design of this trail system. 2 main sections, North & South trails. South Trails with 4 optional side trails will make you work but you get rewarded. The North trail section flows really well and reminds me of OVT in Wilkesboro. The trail has a surprising amount of topography with elevation changes and technical switchbacks on tight, steep climbs. In certain sections, if you didn't know where you were, you would think you were at Tsali or Dark Mountain, so the work out is good. Highly recommended!
Similar Trail: OVT.
reviewed by EZ-E on April 2, 2009
USNWC "AllSport Pass" program announced...for all of us who really enjoy the trails out at the USNWC. The USNWC has unveiled a new multi-sport inclusive program that makes it possible to access an entire package of the sports/equipment offered for one low price, activities included: Family Rafting, Adventure Rafting, Rodeo Rafting, Climbing, Climb 2 Zip, Mountain Bike Fleet Usage(Giant Trance & Yukon), Flatwater Kayaking - Self Guided, Flatwater Kayaking - Guided, Eco Caching, Mega Zipline Here's a link for the AllSport Pass daily/seasonal rates: http://www.usnwc.org/AllSport-Passes.html There is also a new beginner trail being constructed at the USNWC to add mileage and offer a 'green' trail option to allow new riders a chance to work up to some of the more challenging sections of the Catawba MTB trail at the USNWC.
Similar Trail: Sherman Branch, Itusi @ Lake Norman State Park
reviewed by carlosbike08 on May 10, 2008
This trail is to have a lot of fun, everything in one trail, climbs, some tights and wide sections as well. Not too rooty sections. it's worth it
* Review edited 6/29/2008
Similar Trail: no comments
reviewed by hampton1100 on April 21, 2008
This is a great trail. It has everyting you would want in a trail and more. It's fairly easy to navigate, has several amazing sections but the whole trail is high adrenaline and that is one of the big factors for a great trail to me.
reviewed by EZ-E on February 25, 2008
This is one of the best trails in the Charlotte area. The USNWC has kept most of the original trails and has arranged with local orgs such as the Tarheel Trailblazers, Dirt Divas, and REI to maintain the trails well. Coupled with amenities on-site such as a restaurant, bathroom/locker room facilities, an outfitters store, bike rentals and other sports such as kayaking, rafting, climbing, etc. - These trails make Charlotte a destination for the weekend warrior! The $5 parking fee is very much worth it to riders traveling from out-of town, especially if you are carpooling. No camping on-site for overnight stays, but there are some nice hotels nearby in Gastonia/Belmont and Huntersville. For local riders, with so many free(or lower cost) trail options - $5 for each visit might be cost prohibitive....you may want to purchase the annual pass for $40, which reduces your cost per visit(with the annual pass: 1 visit/month would translate to about $3.30/visit and 2 visits/month = $1.66/visit) and the annual fee is supposed to be tax-deductible. You can purchase at the front gate with a Visa/MC/Debit card. USNWC Website: http://www.usnwc.org/
* Review edited 2/19/2009
Similar Trail: SHERMAN BRANCH, POSTON, FISHER FARM, LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK
reviewed by EZ-E on November 30, 2007
Updated the IMBA trail rating
* Review edited 11/30/2007
Similar Trail: Sherman Branch, Poplar Tent, Lake Norman State Park
reviewed by videl_majin_cold45 on October 30, 2007
very nice trail system, my favorite trails in the Charlotte region. The whitewater center has done a terrific job of maintaining the trails. Fast sections mixed with some technical obstacles makes this trail worth driving for.
Similar Trail: Renassaince Park
reviewed by barpn_haga on April 13, 2007
Great trail. Short but fun. Climbs are hard but short. Not for beginners.
Similar Trail: pee-wees in lincolnton
reviewed by JCaldwell704 on March 7, 2007
THIS TRAIL IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER RIDDEN PERIOD.............. it wasn't as technical as i thought it would be, it was actually easier than i thought. i mean, i have only been riding for one month, but i started out riding pee-wee, hickory shore and 181. it's just this trail is a lung buster, leg burning, mind blowing. lol i had alot of rest breaks. lol.................. the trail is one of the best maintained trails i have ever ridden on............... good conditions today. i rode goat hill, carpet ride, weight station and main trail. all were amazing rides. alot of ridders started showing up at 5 o'clock, so i guess thats everybodys afterwork ride before they go home................................... hats off to the trail blazers for a job well done.
* Review edited 3/7/2007
Similar Trail: dark mountain in wilksboro.
reviewed by RaginCajun on February 18, 2007
One of the best trails in the area. The climbs are pretty tough, but for the most part they are short. SAFETY NOTE- If you have a top of car rack, and you park directly under the large powerlines, becareful, there is a good chance that your rack with be charged and it will shock you.
reviewed by jaxpcs on December 28, 2006
Very well maintained on both loops, great fun for advanced riders with opportunity for lung and leg work, beginners will have fun as well. I did 11 miles today - my understanding is that more trails are coming in the future. The directions to parking are no longer valid...get off on Sam Wilson Blvd exit on I-85 and follow signs to US Whitewater Center, parking for trails are adjacent to Whitewater Center parking. There is also a restaurant on the premises.
reviewed by robertbuchan on September 27, 2006
This is the first trail I ever rode on a mountain bike. Frankly I don't know what took me so long to start mountain biking. This is a great venue and based on my inexperience I am not going to risk a low rating of this trail because it was awesome all round. However I have to say that the black trails were only a bit tougher than the blue trails and these were not that intimidating based on the reviews I read here. Not sure what all this talk about technical is other than some fun obstacles, roots and stuf. Beautiful nature setting. After I figured out how to get around the 2 nd time without putting my feet on the ground up goat hill more than once I got a lot more out of the setting.
Similar Trail: North Mecklenburg Park
reviewed by leadbutt on August 1, 2006
Great set of trails! I'm not sure if they were opened to the public, but when I got there, there were plenty of cars and riders so I figured the trails were open. This place is awesome - nice flowing singletrack network. Each section is long enough for a good ride, but ends soon enough at a fire road to give a little break. I'm sure I didn't ride everything, but what I did ride was great. Fast downhills, steep climbs with some great switchbacks - I never thought carpet could be used to strengthen terrain, but it can!!
Similar Trail: Hobby Park, Westwood, Danville
reviewed by dtacmed on June 1, 2006
Raced there 5/31/06. Great Trail however will kick your butt. Has it all from killer climbs to fast downhills, Sweet Single track etc. Very fun a great place to hone skills. Great cardio.
Similar Trail: Renni charlotte
reviewed by Blur-Girl on October 3, 2005
Rode this trail for the first time on Saturday and raced it on Sunday!!! This place has it all. Although it was an abbreviated version due to the construction, I felt I got a taste of everything. Challenging climbs, fast descents, good switchbacks, a few technical places to keep you on your toes and good recovery areas. This is a must ride when it opens back up:)
reviewed by EZ-E on June 26, 2005
Catawba is temporarily off-limits, except for special events(ie races), until approximately 3/2006 for the US Whitewater Park Construction. It is promised that Catawba will have AT LEAST 11 miles of trails when the Whitewater Park/Outdoor complex opens...future plans may include the Catawba trail network linking via greenway bridge across the river to the west where the town Mt. Holly is partnering to provide more trail access for mountain bikes. Catawba is by far the best trail in Charlotte with regard to technical terrain, trail continuity, hardpacked trail surface, and distance. If the Whitewater Park developers honor their word, this will be a premiere location for mountain biking east of the mountains! You will be able to ride, kayak, climb, swim, hike, camp and have facilities (food, outdoor store, and restrooms) all in one place. Stay tuned to these websites for further updates: http://www.tarheeltrailblazers.com/index.cfm http://www.charlottewhitewater.com/index.html
Similar Trail: Itusi-Lake Norman, Poplar Tent, Francis Beatty, Fisher Farm, North Mecklenburg Park, Rennaissance Park, Anne Springs
reviewed by astroman on April 7, 2005
This is one of my home trails and offers it all, climbs, technical, and wicked fast single track. Unfortunately due to construction on a whitewater park, this trail is closed until further notice....
reviewed by MTB1 on December 2, 2004
The trails are still good to ride. A slight addendum to directions above: turn right on Heavy Equipment road (yellow house is on the north side of the rode for reference).
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