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Beaver
Dam State Recreation Area
Description
Location: North Raleigh,
near Falls Lake
Miles: 10 miles
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Contact:
Park office (919) 676-1027 (call to see if trails are
open)
Map
Park
Hours and Fees
Directions
Rules
of the Trail
The trails at Beaverdam State Recreation
Area on Falls Lake are a lot of fun. In my opinion, they
are easier than New Light--less steep hills, rocks, and
sharp turns--but harder than Crabtree. Beginners who feel
comfortable at Crabtree should definitely give Beaverdam
a try. There will only be a few obstacles they'll want to
walk. Intermediate and advanced riders will find
Beaverdam a fast, uncrowded ride but still enjoy a good
workout.
 Here's the details:
The trails are rated beginner to
intermediate and include three loops: a 2.6-mile outer
loop, a 1.6-mile inner loop, a 2.4-mile west loop and
more advanced 6-mile loop called South Loop.
In addition to the trails, there are two
parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, grills and a
lakefront beach! Great if you want to bring your kayak,
fishing pole, burgers, or the rest of the family and make
a day of it.
At certain times, there is a fee of $5/vehicle to
enter the Recreation Area. The fee applies to bicycles
too if you ride in. You can call to see if the trails are
closed due to rain.
The trails may be closed due to rain, hazardous
conditions, and maintenance. The trails are closed for
rider safety, so please stay off them when they are
closed.
Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.
alcoholic beverages are PROHIBITED
You must enter the trails from the trail entrance
within the park. Entering the trails from anywhere else
is illegal.
This is the first time that the Division
has partnered with an outside organization to build and
maintain a trail system and the first time the Division
has allowed mountain bikes on singletrack trails in a
state park! Both of those items are major
victories--thanks to the North Raleigh Mountain Biking
Association volunteers (same folks that gave us New
Light) .
Contact NRMBA to find out how you can help
with future trail building and maintenance.
Park Hours
November-February 8:00AM-5:30PM
March,
October 8:00AM-6:30PM
April,
September 8:00AM-7:30PM
May, June, July,
August 8:00AM-8:30PM
Fees
There is a $5.00 per
vehicle (including bikes if you ride in) charge to enter
the Beaverdam Recreation facility during certain dates.
Memorial Day to Labor Day:
fee charged daily
April, May & September:
fee charged only on weekends
October to March:
no fee
A yearly pass may also be purchased good both
Falls Lake SRA and Jordan Lake SRA. The price is set for
the yearly pass at $40.00. These passes can be purchased
at the park office Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM or beginning April 1
at the entrance stations during the day. The pass will
get a vehicle into the day-use areas of Falls Lake SRA,
Kerr Lake SRA, and Jordan Lake SRA.
Note that there are no longer any dates where the
fee is chaged before 5 PM, but not charged after 5 PM.
(NRMBA is working with the
Division to come up with some kind of pass for volunteers
based on the hours they work, but it might be a while
before such an agreement comes through.)
Directions
The trails are at the Beaverdam
State Recreation Area at Falls Lake State Park. To get
there, go north on NC 50 (Creedmoor Road) in north
Raleigh. Continue north past NC 98 and you will cross
Falls Lake. The entrance is a mile ahead on the right. Go
through the gatehouse and follow the signs.
Rules of the
Trail
1. All mountain bike
trails and parking areas close 30 minutes prior to park
gates. All trail users must be off the trails and out of
the parking area by such time.
2.
Trails are to be ridden in one direction as signed unless
otherwise marked.
3. Help keep these trails open by riding only on
open, marked trails and respecting the natural resources.
4. Riders must wear helmets.
5. Riders shall remain in control of their bikes at
all times.
6. Report trail problems to Park Rangers.
7. Hikers are allowed on all trails but should use
caution.
8. Misuse, vandalism, excessive use or use during
wet weather will cause trail damage and will result in
trail closures.
9. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.
Night riding is available at this trail on
a restricted basis. All night rides must be
approved by Park Staff and are generally an organized
event coordinated between the park and cycling clubs.
Stay tuned to this site for upcoming night rides. You
must be out of the park by 8:30 PM for night rides, wear
a helmet, and have a light system.
"Messengers and mountain bikers share a
common chromosome."
-James Bethea
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