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Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

Governor's Creek

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CategoryAverage Rating
Overall :   3.9 / 5.0   based on 24 votes
Technical :   2.5 / 5.0   based on 24 votes
Climbing :   2.3 / 5.0   based on 24 votes
Freeride :   0.9 / 5.0   based on 24 votes
Scenery/Wildlife :   3.0 / 5.0   based on 24 votes
Flow :   3.4 / 5.0   based on 18 votes

Description: A great, reasonably fast trail with few big hills. Great areas that really flow and a nice little rock garden section to keep you honest.
Location: Sanford
Miles: 6 miles
Skill Level: Intermediate
Directions: Go South on US1, take a right at traffic light onto Center Church Road. Go several miles to the end, then take a left and first right onto Stanton Hill. Then take the first right onto Underwood and stay right when the road "Y"s. Follow signs around to the right to parking area of Gov's Creek. Night riding is allowed here.






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Governor's Creek Trail Map





 















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Governors Creek trail has been reviewed 24 times by our trianglemtb.com guests.

Reviewed by:tmack229
Reviewed on:05/26/2023
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Overall solid trail, nothing spectacular or super challenging, but still a very solid ride. Trail is easy to follow, fairly well marked and well maintained.
Reviewed by:pinky
Reviewed on:03/30/2023
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Really fun and flowy. Seems like it may be easy to get lost if you are unfamiliar with the trail. Roughly 7-8 miles of trail, with a good variety of features. All features have ride-arounds, so it is good for all skill levels.
Reviewed by:bt4man
Reviewed on:09/03/2022
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Lots of fun. Multiple trails. Trails well maintained.
Reviewed by:edoiron
Reviewed on:12/29/2021
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No detailed review given.
Reviewed by:kwbowl101
Reviewed on:03/08/2020
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Governors Creek MTB Trail is a great way to get in some riding time and get a sweat on. This trail system wasn't designed like San Lee Park MTB Trail, but instead was designed for one to ride a single track and get in a decent workout. If you're looking for jumps and berms this isn't the place. The climbing and switchbacks makes it interesting and at time challenging. There are some good flow areas, like the creek bed, and start point. THis system starts off fast, but where there is an up there is a down. I have been riding this trail system for years and haven't been disappointed. Parking is great and the one thing that I would like to see is trail markers or maybe mile markers. There is a great drop with a rock garden ending with a wooden bridge crossing over a stream, this is neat because they offer you two options to get to the bridge, straight will get you off your seat and going right will avoid the steep downhill approach to the bridge. Either way this system is great because it allows MTN Bikers the ability to enjoy their passion. I highly recommend this trail system to anyone who wants to get it in.
Reviewed by:willisj76
Reviewed on:09/28/2016
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Made the trip out here a few weeks ago and LOVED it. Super fun, fast and flowy. Easily one of my favorite trails in the area.
Reviewed by:billypersonaltrainer
Reviewed on:12/27/2015
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I have some questions, in lieu of a review. What are the rules for night riding? Would we sign up in advance, or does the park remain open to a certain time? Could someone offer a review germane to and specific to a night ride review?
Thank you.
Reviewed by:jnduda
Reviewed on:10/17/2014
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Fast and fun ride when looking for something other than San Lee in the same area. Not very technical but a good place to push a 29' for speed.
Reviewed by:charlie dont surf
Reviewed on:07/09/2014
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I have ridden the full loop on two occasions (one wet...much slower with all the damp roots) and one dry. Awesome and fun trail, decent variety of sections, nice flow of up and down combos and can be enjoyed at a very quick pace, or moderate if you choose, without causing a more difficult ride over the terrain. My 9 year old also cleared all but the "rock garden" (semi-technical short downhill of rocks and loose stones) in his first single track experience on a 26" bike...so while you can go really fast there and get in trouble in places, anyone with some seat time can enjoy virtually all of the course!
Reviewed by:acottrell
Reviewed on:01/27/2014
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Bottom Line Up Front: Not a true beginner trail, but the next step. If you are ready to leave the smooth and groomed dirt or concrete trails, this is a good suggestion with the opportunity to get off and walk up/down sections as you please. For intermediate or advanced, it's a bit lackluster outside of earning some cardio.

Governor's Creek is somewhat of a shorter trail at around 7 miles that relies on many switchbacks and out-and-back turns in the trial to make up the distance. For those south of the triangle area though, it is one of only two options though (San Lee being the other). I wouldn't go looking for anything challenging on this trail if you are intermediate or above, it just isn't there.

The " rock garden" mentioned is really a whole 100 feet of downhill riding with a couple piles of rocks in there. They aren't more than 12 feet long or so and don't have anything you can't roll over. Climbing is marginal with no sections that really require you to get out of the saddle. There are a handful of spots where you can pick up some speed for downhills if desired, but nothing serious. There is a fair amount of random small roots and a few sections that do not drain very well either, so just be careful.

Overall it's a good loop if you are trying to get a power lap and bust it out as fast as possible for leg strength and cardio. The trail seems to be frequented enough that if you were to get injured you'd be found in a timely manner, but not busy enough that it's crowded. Pretty quiet and has squirrels bouncing around for your enjoyment.

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