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Dark Mountain Trail Mountain Bike Trail
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
29 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 7/25/11 by RidingPastor |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 6 miles | Global Rank: #24 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 139 | Wishlist: 100 |
| Avg. Speed: 6.51 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 25min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +930/-1,008 ft | IMBA Epic Trail |
Directions:
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Description: West of Wilkesboro, the Dark Mountain Trail system is currently a 6 mile singletrack. Trail system has something for everyone. Good climbs, fast descents, a couple of techincal switchbacks, log crossing. Not to mention a fantastic view of the lake shore. BMCC is also developing additional trails on the other side of the lake. One mile of trail is almost finished with 20+ more on the way. The main trail, a doubletrack jeep road, runs up a forested ridge and across the top. A network of interlocking singletrack trails loops off the jeep road. The trail's toughest climb comes at the start, as the jeep road makes a steep ascent to the top of the ridge. The trail network features loop after loop of singletrack trail rolling through a mature forest with tall poplars and pines. You'll roll through a rhodendron tunnels, dip past an old homestead, snake up and down wooded ridges, skirt the edge of a pony pasture and cruise past a finger of the lake on the trails.
added on December 12, 2003 by guest
Description: West of Wilkesboro, the Dark Mountain Trail system is currently a 6 mile singletrack. Trail system has something for everyone. Good climbs, fast descents, a couple of techincal switchbacks, log crossing. Not to mention a fantastic view of the lake shore. BMCC is also developing additional trails on the other side of the lake. One mile of trail is almost finished with 20+ more on the way. The main trail, a doubletrack jeep road, runs up a forested ridge and across the top. A network of interlocking singletrack trails loops off the jeep road. The trail's toughest climb comes at the start, as the jeep road makes a steep ascent to the top of the ridge. The trail network features loop after loop of singletrack trail rolling through a mature forest with tall poplars and pines. You'll roll through a rhodendron tunnels, dip past an old homestead, snake up and down wooded ridges, skirt the edge of a pony pasture and cruise past a finger of the lake on the trails.
added on December 12, 2003 by guest 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Tsali Left Loop in Bryson City
Overmountain Victory Trail (Kerr Scott Reservoir) in Wilkesboro
Wild Turkey in Greensboro
Tsali Right Loop in Bryson City
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by wjkronen on January 30, 2012
I'm looking to go riding on this trail this weekend and wondering if there are any campgrounds in the area that are open during the winter. Does anyone know this information?
reviewed by RidingPastor on July 25, 2011
The first climb is tough especially considering it had just stopped raining but once on top and playing some of the trails it was lot of fun. the different loops give you many options and the ride does not become repetitive. Fun on the downhill parts and killer climbing.
Similar Trail: Tsali thompson loop for some of it.
reviewed by shawnsampson75 on July 25, 2011
This was a great trail. I will be riding again very soon. Definitely you need to follow the burn 24 route. Trails are labeled great.
reviewed by jcaiii on November 18, 2010
Spectacular trail. Just pay attention to the blue signs marking the main route and you will be fine. The exit trail makes all the climbs worth every inch.
reviewed by RoadWarrior on November 8, 2010
Snow on the ground at my house so made a day trip with a couple of friends. Rode Dark Mtn., Overmountain Victory, and Shiners Loop Trails. Would be a great weekend getaway. Ride the afore mentioned trails one day and Warrior Creek Trails the next. Very fun Trail system. Some roots, a few rocks, some small climbs (250' max elev. change), but mostly fun fast rolling bermed single-track. Leaves were down making the trails some-what slippery so had to watch our speed, but was still a blast as the leaves didn't stick to the steep berms. Trails suitable for beginner to expert, just a matter of how fast you want to ride.
reviewed by Lisbeth on October 25, 2010
It's hard to give this a brief review, considering there are 8 varied trails. Trail 1 is very easy, except for the climb up from the parking lot, which is basically just short and steep. Use Trail 1, rather than the Jeep Track Core Road C to climb the hill. Trail 2 is harder, with some really sharp, steep switchbacks on the way down to the creek. The climb out is a workout, but not terribly difficult. Trail 3 is very short, basically just a way to get from one point to another. Trail 4 is long and easy but really rooty in places. Trail 5 is most excellent with some fun, fast sections on the way down to the lake. Trail 7 sucks as a biking trail, if it is indeed even a biking trail. I hiked the last section. Trail 8 is a long, narrow downhill to another creek. It's beautiful, and for the most part easy, but there is one sharp switchback at the bottom near the creek around a huge rock that needs to be marked as dangerous if you try to ride it wide. And be aware that what goes down must come up. And for the finale: Trail 6, which is the exit trail, rocks. I LOVE IT! Fast with really fun jumps. Warning: once you ride 6, get ready to climb that bitchin hill again cause you're gonna wanna ride 6 more than once!
reviewed by Brandon_Hasson on October 8, 2010
This trail will certainly wake up the quads right out of the gate....especially if you stay on the main trail at the beginning (straight up). Did all sections except #2. This trail system is very rooty...which is why I gave a rating of 3+. Rooty climbs aren't too enjoyable and they really slow you down on the descents (3/4's of the trail). #8 was my fav...fast smooth downhill along the Pee Dee River...not for the risk averse. If traveling from the Charlotte area, I'd recommend Dupont State Forest for the same drive time....which is an epic trail system! * Review edited 10/8/2010
* Review edited 10/8/2010
Similar Trail: Dupont State Forest; Owls Roost / Wild Turkey Greensboro, NC; White Water Center Charlotte, NC
reviewed by Gronckle on June 8, 2010
Great system of trails. rough Jeep trail provides access to the other trails. great variety to choose from. Stunts, jumps, more moderate trails and some rocky advanced switchbacks- its all here. #6 is a great downhill with avoidable obastacles. None of the trails are terribly long, but its a great run any way you choose, and a beautiful area. Not to be missed.
Similar Trail: OVT trail is right nearby, not really similar, but a nice smooth roller coaster singletrack - and adds to the options.
reviewed by souldagger on April 11, 2010
These trails are well marked and maintained. Stop at the Visitor Center before crossing the dam to get a free, detailed trail map. These are some of the best designed an wickedly fun trails I've ridden. There are 8 sweet singletracks and the core jeep trail accesible from the Dark Mountain parking area. There is something here for every one, although longer travel DH and FR bikes will have a pretty tough time with the climbs. There are some fast sections, some technical, some climbs; the bermed turns are awesome! I drive 45 minutes each way twice a week to ride here. Great job on these trails!
Similar Trail: OVT; Warrior Creek; LNSP
reviewed by EffortlessMTNB on March 20, 2010
Very tough for new riders. The majority of it is an uphill battle, but it's a fun challenge, I'm definitely going back.
reviewed by kyleht287 on April 23, 2009
Dark Mountain is a fantastic network of trails, with great climbs, banked turns, roller coaster downhills, and a bit of technical challenge to keep it interesting. Follow the blue arrows for a challenging 7.5 mile loop. This is the route used in the 24 hour Burn Race. Awesome!
Similar Trail: Hobby Park
reviewed by zack88sipper on January 18, 2009
I just rode dark mountain and the OVT trails today. And all I can say is this trails are sweet. I would deffintly start out on #1 and then turn off onto #2. I loved it so much I did them twice once each way. Then # 8 is Just all down hill to the bottom of the dam. OVT were really good trails to but I didnt enjoy them as much probably cause I was wore out from dark mountain. Best trails Ive ever rode!!!
Similar Trail: Hobby Park.
reviewed by trailsurfer on July 27, 2008
This trail just keeps getting better!! I travel to Wilkes a couple of times a year to ride Dark Mountain and OVT. The BMCC just keeps making these trails better. There have been several re-routes and slight changes made at Dark Mountain since I last rode in the fall of 2007, and all were GREAT!! The downhill course is such a rush!
reviewed by plantme777 on April 11, 2008
Very well designed trail with many fast flowing roller coaster type downhills and stepped uphills. Great drainage, great variety, something for everyone. The downhill/super D course is a very welcome option if you want a break from the cross country stuff. My favorite trail is the first right immediately at the top of the jeep trail climb. It descends to the creek and bridge below, and will provide you with that goofy open mouth kind of smile as you descend the exceptional undulating mountainside singletrack. You do have to climb back out, but that is perfect for waking up the legs in preparation for the rest of the riding feast that is Dark Mountain Trails.
Similar Trail: OVT is not similar, but should not be missed if you are at the dam.
reviewed by kolesal on March 24, 2008
Great trail system! Very well maintained and marked. Downhills are blast, climbs are demanding. All together an excellent experience!
Similar Trail: Overmountain Victory Trail, NC Hobby Park, NC Horizon Park, NC
reviewed by winegeek819 on February 22, 2008
Had a blast riding this, although riding with a hangover I was pretty gassed by the end of the day. My buddy enticed me to come out by describing it as "like a rollercoaster", and it lived up to the description-- fantastic banked turns, not too technical, and some really fast spots. Looking forward to hitting it again this spring in better shape!
Similar Trail: haven't ridden anything like it around here, but would certainly love to!
reviewed by Stamps on February 10, 2008
Dark Mountain is an exceptional trail network in the foothills of NW North Carolina. With easy access from Charlotte, Boone and the Greensboro, the network is possible for day trips. The network is well marked and very well maintained with something for just about every flavor of riding…ie Freeride, All Mountain and Cross Country. The Brushy Mountain Cycling Club who created and continuously maintains this area should be praised for the well thought out sustainable trail system. Great up hill burners, flowing singletrack and one exceptionally well done downhill section with multiple high berms, tabletops offers a day of epic riding for Piedmont MTBikers out there. There’s even a North Shore type teeter that’s set up near the top (I hope they put more of this type of riding up soon!) If you get the opportunity, try hooking up with some locals at the trail head. Bob and Scotty, two local hard core cross country riders, were kind enough to show my friend and I around. They were friendly and more than willing to provide advice and info about their backyard playground. However they did make us feel very out of shape on the warmup up the mountain! For anyone in the area who hasn’t experienced this place, do yourself a favor and catch a blue bird spring or fall day here. The trails while shorter overall have a quality and challenge rarely seen outside the Asheville MTB scene. You will have an epic day and will be planning your next trip on the way home…. I guarantee!
Similar Trail: Kitzuma, Black Mountain, Bent Creek, Owl's Roost (my backyard!)
reviewed by Reserverockhopper on December 29, 2007
Cowabunga! This is one to test you. They keep these trails in excellent shape year round! IT starts with a heart bursting climb up the mountain on a fire road that may require a hike a bike for many, me included at times. Options abound! One downhill switches back and forth as you get up to 25+ mph on a small bench cut trail ledge that has plenty of risk ready if you bail. But hell, that is what makes it great. On the back side, the Snake is a bear of a climb, then leads into a Rhondo tunnel and then onto the "downhill" course that will test the best riders. Caution here unless you know what you are doing. This and OVT are by far our favorite trails outside of Tsali. Every year they conduct the 24 Hour Burn race. Riders camp at the field at the bottom of Kerr Lake Resovior.
* Review edited 12/29/2007
Similar Trail: Tsali Left Loop, Mousebranch.
reviewed by cjk133 on November 2, 2007
They are indeed fun after work type of trails, esp in the winter since it's 10-15 warmer down wilkesboro compared to the highlands. Yet the entire system is confined and polished and can be ridden out in a stunningly short period of time, even with the out/back on overland victory thrown in. The nearest ridable backcountry would be mt rogers area or wilson creek vicinity...so it's all ya got near wilksboro, save some super long gravel treks up the escarpment. Thankfully these trails offer at least an option. Thank you brushy mtn club.
reviewed by aabiking on August 31, 2007
These trails have some of the best downhill section I have ridden. There are many man made jumps that I had to go back and run them a few times to get used to them. The uphill sections are long also but they lack in the tough climb that I like. I believe they have kept the grade considerably under 10%. Overall these are somegreat trails and I will be going back. I really need to get my friends down here.
Similar Trail: Anglers Ridge, Danville Virginia
reviewed by videl_majin_cold45 on March 21, 2007
What a great system of trails that the Brushy Mountain Cyclist Club have set up. Great long descents on loops #7 and#8, tough climbs on loop #5, this trail has it all. If the downhill course does not take your breath away, the scenery will.
Similar Trail: Itusi Trail@Lake Norman State Park
reviewed by JCaldwell704 on February 11, 2007
AWSOME RIDE, this was my first long trail, oh yea it was long, times i thought it would never end. lol very smooth, nothing technical. get there early in the morning, some areas can get dark pretty quick. take plenty of water, and a small snack. This is the longest ride i've rode soo far. it was tough cardio and leg wise for me. best trail for training i've found soo far.* Review edited 2/11/2007
* Review edited 3/7/2007
Similar Trail: white water park in charlotte
reviewed by blyman on January 14, 2007
This trail is great. The initial ride up to the top is tough for a newbie like me, but the long winding downhills and banking turns make it well worth it. This link has good info about the trail and a good map: http://www.bmcc.us/kerr_scott.htm I recommend bringing a printout of the trail map. The dam is on the eastern end of the reservoir, so if you time it so that you're done riding just before sunset, you can watch the sun set over the lake.
* Review edited 1/14/2007
reviewed by EZ-E on July 17, 2006
Great trail! Cross country trailhead on right closest to parking lot. Take a quick left about 100ft after the trailhead to get on the singletrack(straight is doubletrack). Trail is marked by round white blazes with the trail number on them. We did #1, 5, 6, 11 - made for a nice loop, total ascent for this combo averaged 750ft/lap. Good distribution of uphill/downhill. Challenging uphill switchbacks throughout. Downhills have some straightaways some jumps and berms with tight/twisty results. There is an out & back trail on the south side of the dam which begins from the Welcome Center(you'll see a yield sign with a bike). That south trail is about 5.5 miles one way(10-11mi total). Suggestion for post ride - take a swim to cool off: leave the trailhead over the dam, return to intersection with Hwy 268, turn R (west), drive 1-2mi til you see "Berry Mountain Park" entrance on right. Admission is about $2, sand beach swimming area on reservoir, picnic areas, restrooms, camping, etc. This trail makes for a GREAT daytrip!
Similar Trail: Catawba, Kitsuma, Tsali
reviewed by leadbutt on September 26, 2005
This weekend was the second time I've visited the Dark Mtn. Trail. It's great everytime I go. The trail is always maintained neatly and anything they build is built to hold up. They've extended #9 to be completely singletrack (it did have a section of fire road to climb out of). Like someone else said, #1, #5 and #9 are the best and I made a point to ride all of them backwards and forwards this trip. It's worth all the effort!! Fast, fast downhills...nice switchbacks...humps that'll send you into the air...bermed curves that you can just rail through...
Similar Trail: has a little bit of everything - Hobby Park, Westwood, Tanglewood - all in one
reviewed by trek7k on July 9, 2005
Nice trail, pretty fast and well designed. My favorite trails were #9, #1, and #5 (prolly in that order). Couldn't find the "new" stuff on the other side of the dam, is this even open yet? Very fast trail but not too different from the flatland stuff we usually ride (minus the roots).
Similar Trail: Reminded me a bit of Fontana Village and Explore Park in VA.
reviewed by Blur-Girl on June 6, 2005
Excellent trail. Tough climb up the jeep trail right off the bat so you might want to warm up your legs a bit before lighting off. I recommend doing the main trail (enter via jeep trail) then do the newest section on the other side of the dam, then go back up the jeep trail and come down #1 again for a nice finish. Main trail has some good climbs with several tight switchbacks, but nice downhills as a reward. There are 11 sections each clearly marked with their own number. #5 can be tough if it's a little wet because of the red dirt:) The newest section is an out and back, about 8 miles round trip. Fun and fast. You can tell that this trail is well maintained. Beautiful park, very nice visitor center with maps and bathrooms.
reviewed by cwaldron on March 10, 2005
Excellent Trail. A few down trees but otherwise well maintained. Loops 5, 9, and 1 were spectacular. Enough loops and trails to keep you busy for hours.
Similar Trail: Hobby Park
reviewed by smilie on April 11, 2004
very fun all day ride, many different trails to choose from.
Similar Trail: tanglewood salem lake
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