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Poston Park Mountain Bike Trail
Lowell, North Carolina
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
8 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 5/5/10 by EZ-E |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 4 miles | Global Rank: #1746 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 19 | Wishlist: 18 |
| Avg. Speed: 6.6 mph | Avg. Time: 0hr 38min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +329/-168 ft |
Directions:
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Description: Just a short drive west of Charlotte - the Poston trail is a volunteer effort of the Piedmont Area Singletrack Alliance(PASA) Club. What's in a name you ask - well, while the trail is short this is some great "singletrack", so PASA hit the mark! Nestled into the ravined watersheds of the western feeder to the Catawba River at the foot of 1250ft Spencer Mountain - Poston trail wisely uses opposing ridgelines to create a challenging loop within a very small footprint. You are always either ascending or descending, there is not very much flat on which to get bored! The trail is one way counter-clockwise - appears to drain and dry very well - alot of benched hillside climbs - descents are short and quick, some twisty, maintain speed because there is usually an immediate climb after - there are several small jumps and drops - several bridges(a couple are 20+ ft long over an impressive and scenic creek). Trail surface is a well packed mineral-clay with very little rolling resistance. This trail would be a good challenge for a beginner who has a few months of singletrack experience, intermediate-advanced riders will find the constant terrain change fun, and can easily do multiple laps to get their distance in. While there are no wet or muddy spots on a normal day...please respect the trail, do not ride for at least 24hrs after rain. Park gates open at 6a, close at 11p.
Description: Just a short drive west of Charlotte - the Poston trail is a volunteer effort of the Piedmont Area Singletrack Alliance(PASA) Club. What's in a name you ask - well, while the trail is short this is some great "singletrack", so PASA hit the mark! Nestled into the ravined watersheds of the western feeder to the Catawba River at the foot of 1250ft Spencer Mountain - Poston trail wisely uses opposing ridgelines to create a challenging loop within a very small footprint. You are always either ascending or descending, there is not very much flat on which to get bored! The trail is one way counter-clockwise - appears to drain and dry very well - alot of benched hillside climbs - descents are short and quick, some twisty, maintain speed because there is usually an immediate climb after - there are several small jumps and drops - several bridges(a couple are 20+ ft long over an impressive and scenic creek). Trail surface is a well packed mineral-clay with very little rolling resistance. This trail would be a good challenge for a beginner who has a few months of singletrack experience, intermediate-advanced riders will find the constant terrain change fun, and can easily do multiple laps to get their distance in. While there are no wet or muddy spots on a normal day...please respect the trail, do not ride for at least 24hrs after rain. Park gates open at 6a, close at 11p.
added on March 10, 2007 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by mtnbikr63 on October 31, 2011
This is an interesting trail. Can't really give it a fair review right now as it is under reconstruction due to changes being made to the park. First time out, the trial was tight and challenging in parts. The trail features some sharp turns and was mostly hidden by the new leaf fall, so I took it pretty slow. A few foot dabs were required. Some nice scenery, especially around the streams and the Spencer Mountain part. Trail was well-marked despite the changes being made. I look foward to visiting again in the Spring when the trail is more visible.
reviewed by dogdoctor on June 9, 2011
Trails had to be rerouted around lake project which is still in progress. For this reason, there is no final clear cut master trail map yet. However, to date there are over 6 miles of technical and very tight hand built singletrack. The current 6+ miles are blazed and ready to ride. The trail entrance is currently at the back of the park and new trail is constantly being added. For this reason, I recommend you check out www.bikepasa.com for up to date information before venturing over to Poston. Easily the most technical, lung busting, true mountain bike trail in the Charlotte area.
Similar Trail: Similar to trails found in Western NC mountains.
reviewed by ericmo80 on April 30, 2011
Who can tell what route I took? Repeat after me - "Where the h##l did the trail go," and "which way am I expected to go?" Opinions: Seriously UNtapped potential. With the terrain and natural features this could be one of the best trails in Charlotte - COULD be. Unfortunately, the trail is more or less undeveloped (I don't mean "difficult" either - I can do difficult) I mean not designed for Mountain Biking. Prepare to do some hike-a-bike through malarial muck while wishing they had polished the trail enough to make it fun. The trail has been "blazed?" Maybe once, but that track faded out a long time ago. I appreciate the effort and understand it's a new trail due to construction, but PASA needs some help from THTB to make this trail worth the trip to Lowell.
Similar Trail: When they make it a mountain bike trail I'll tell you.
reviewed by liftmaster76 on October 21, 2010
Trails are closed. There is a dam being built to create a 20+ acre lake.
reviewed by sun79rise on July 29, 2010
The Website, http://www.co.gaston.nc.us/ParksAndRec/MountainBikeTrail.htm , says it is closed. Not being from the area I have no idea. We are looking to ride there next week. Does anyone have any info?? Thanks
reviewed by bobrjones on April 13, 2009
I love this trail. This is the one I cut my teeth on when I started riding a year ago and then I though it was the hardest thing known to man. Now a year later I love it more each time I ride it. The trails are beautiful and challenging. Lots of good climbs followed by short technical downhill. The trail is tight and challenging and offers lots of technical options.
Similar Trail: Similar to USNWC (Catawba)
reviewed by side_project_bike on October 19, 2008
short loop with a mild to moderate technical, a few bridges and extra loops for added mileage, short and fun, not that dangerous or "extreme", but ust inside town easy to get to and get your ride in.
reviewed by c-dog on February 10, 2008
good trail over all i just rode it today and had a blast many fast sections and some pretty sweet singletrack
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