Trails
In 2006, Newland Communities approached Triangle Off Road Cyclists (TORC) with an idea that would bring nearly 20 miles of mountain biking trails to the Triangle at Briar Chapel, a new community in Chatham County. The 1,589 acre mixed-use development is the Triangle's largest green community.
For more than thirty years, the Carolina North Forest (also known as the Horace Williams Tract) has offered the University, Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities a tranquil natural oasis in which to recreate, relax, and enjoy a respite from the area's ever-changing urban landscape.
This park features two ball fields, a playground and 2.25 miles of mountain biking trails.
Harris Lake is one of the best places for beginner mountain bikers to increase their skill level, while more advanced riders enjoy steady cruising and keeping their cadence and heart rates up. A stacked loop system, the trails offer more obstacles and longer trails the further away from the parking lots you get. All technical trail features have bypass trails.
Lake Crabtree is features 8+ miles of well maintained beginner to intermediate cross country trail. Recent additions include a pump track and beginner jump lines. An intermediate jump line is under construction with a planned advanced line to follow.
The level of technical difficulty on trails increases with distance from the trail-head. Since use of the gravel roads is not meant for bikers, please plan a route that permits a return path along the mountain bike trails. Don't forget that the park's gates lock at dusk!
| Published: September 30th, 2009 | Modified: November 4th, 2009 |