Your source for Mountain Biking in the Triangle
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill
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Your source for Mountain Biking in the Triangle Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill |
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Current Trail Status
| Status | When Updated | Who Updated | More Info |  | Help keep this info accurate by clicking the red bicycle | |
| open | 02/01 8:43 am | csorensen |  |
| Category | Average Rating |
| Overall : |  3.2 / 5.0 based on 26 votes |
| Technical : |  2.1 / 5.0 based on 26 votes |
| Climbing : |  1.6 / 5.0 based on 26 votes |
| Freeride : | 1.8 / 5.0 based on 26 votes |
| Scenery/Wildlife : |  3.5 / 5.0 based on 26 votes |
| Flow : | 3.4 / 5.0 based on 18 votes |
Description
Location: Southwestern Wake County
Miles: 8
Skill Level: beginner to intermediate
Contact: Park office (919) 387-4342 (call to see if trail is open)
Map
Park Hours and Fees
Directions
Rules of the Trail
Like Lake Crabtree Park,
Harris Lake's mountain bike trails are close to a lake,
made up of several loops that connect to a main trail,
and are managed by Wake County Parks. The breeze coming
across the water can be quite refreshing on a hot summer
day! The major loops here are signed as
"beginner", "intermediate" and
"advanced", and can be enjoyed by all skill
levels. A few optional "double black diamond"
loops have been added near the advanced section. This
trail has something for everyone, from the "just got
my first off-road bike" beginner to the more
seasoned rider, and all obstacles have optional
ride-arounds so that beginners and veterans can enjoy the
trails together. In short, this is just a good set of
single-track trails. Currently there is approximately 8
miles of bicycling trails.
The park is located in a flatter part of Wake County
so there aren't as many long or steep hills as some other
trails, but rest assured, the available terrain has been
used wisely. There are several log crossings, a couple of
whoopdee-doo sections and a few small bridges on the
trail.
Harris Lake County Park also has full amenities such
as restrooms, picnic shelters, play areas, Frisbee golf,
fishing locations and canoe rentals.
Check the Events calendar for upcoming races and
trail workdays at Harris Lake County Park.
Park Hours and Fees
8:00 am to sunset, seven days a week. Hours
are posted at the gate, and on the phone answering
system. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Access to the park is free.
Directions
From Raleigh: Take 440 to US 1 South. Take US 1 12 miles
from beltline to exit 89. Take a left and go about 2
miles to the park entrance. Go to the back of the park
and turn left into the parking area. The trailhead is
labeled "Hog Run Trail".
From Durham/Ch. Hill: Take 751 past New
Hill and over US 1 (Note: road changes name a few times,
just keep on keepin' on). After
crossing over US 1 go
about 2 miles to the park entrance. Go to the back of the
park and turn left into the parking area. The trailhead
is labeled "Hog Run Trail".
This trail is not open for night riding
except under organized night ride events coordinated with
cycling clubs and park staff. Stay tuned to this site for
upcoming night rides.
Rules, guidelines, and definitions for our TriangleMTB.com trail reviews
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I've been mountain biking for 13 years now so I'm going to base this review somewhat on other trails in my life I have rode but over all I really enjoyed this trail! The last review was negative about the trail being not fun but I had a good time the entire afternoon. The trail as a whole isn't really too challenging for climbing since the tallest hill will only take you less than a minute or more to climb which are easy climbs. The expert part of this trail to me is more of a novice if intermediate I think? I've ridden the Wichita mountain range trails in Oklahoma which some are no kidding 90% technical there's so many boulders but this trail there is only one boulder I recall going over on a small downhill section by the lake. Technically this trail isn't realy unless you count the tightness you go through the trees which can be tight but fun. Roots are everywhere so expect to be off the seat a lot! Harris lake might be more of a beginner or intermediate trail but coming from Goldsboro 60 miles away I would definately come back! I miss riding extremely rocky places with boulders but for the area its a good place to ride and perfect for families to introduce the kids which I saw quite a few riding today. Great trail and to those that complain about it just remember you could be at home watching TV and not riding in a beautiful park. Also I highly recomend San Lee State Park in Sanford which has two rock gardens one which is very good to navigate through even for a vet rider. | ||||||||||||||||||
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The more trails in the triangle area the better, but... This trail is very poor on my list. Maybe the most non fun ride I have had. The flow here is terrible. You have to shut it down so many times. Some corners are hard 90's and tight. This is not because of lack of handling skills. Excessive roots also. (not the trail builders fault) but very root laden. There are some fun short parts and what is called "the black diamond" area is pretty good. My poor rating of this trail though is mostly from lack of flow. The beginner loop is great for beginners and passes along the lake nicely. If you live in North Raleigh or Cary/Morrisville, it is not worth the drive to Harris. (oh, and don't be afraid of snakes. I saw 3) |
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Harris is a good place to go with a family, throw a round of disc golf, or hang out on a picnic blanket... oh, or ride your bike around. In that regard it's similar to Crabtree Park but the trails have a different personality. They get dicey in a places that make it a little more challenging and thrilling. There are times when it's a little boring but there are enough features to keep your mind busy too. I had to look hard to find 7 miles of trail. I had to do a good bit of doubling back through the 'Hog loop' just to get 7.. So I'm not sure what I missed but I feel certain I missed a loop. There are maps and signs making it easy to figure out if you so choose. Next time I'll look closer. The trail itself is a bit rooty, there is a section of dips or whoopty-doos or whatever they're called that are a little challenging. I would think most mtb beginners could handle all but maybe a few of the weird dips/descents. Young children and beginner bike riders might find it more challenging. I have to assume the signs that say 'advanced' and 'beginner' or even 'double black diamond' are relative to the trail, not other trails in general... or New Light must be quadruple black diamond with blood dripping off them. ;) There is some elevation but not much. There are very few grinders. If you ride it at a really quick pace, it is fun as an advanced rider... however, you run out of trail quick so you'll need to do multiple loops if you want a longer ride. Bottom line it's a fun trail, especially for beginners and intermediates... I just wish it had more miles... and more interesting miles. -C |
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I've ridden crabree, wilkesboro, and beaverdam. This trail is tougher than crabtree but easier than beaverdam. It has a great playground area, and there is more climbing than crabtree but not as much climbing as beaverdam. This is one of my favorite trails because it is usually uncrowded | ||||||||||||||||||
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A great place to learn singletrack riding. For the more acomplished rider it's fun the first the few times, eventually though you'll be in search of something more challenging. | ||||||||||||||||||
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After not riding for three years since I moved here from Santa Jose CA, this was my first ride in NC. I found it quite enjoyable. I rode it right after a heavy spring rain and was suprised to see the trail was ridable. | ||||||||||||||||||
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No detailed review given. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Just rode this trail after a 10 yr hiatus. I brought my 9 yr old out for her first mtn bike ride too. She was able to ride all the "main" trails, beginning, intermediate, expert (because of the nicely made detours around the obstacles). This wasn't a technically challenging ride but it was certainly nice and fun for everyone. The trails are mostly flat with some very small inclines that my daughter had no problem navigating. Trails are well maintained and well marked. The boardwalks and little bridges were my daughter's favorites. Overall, this is a nice and easy single track ride for the young, old, novice and expert. Best of all, for those of us with children, this is a ride that a 9 yr old can handle. If you're like my wife and I, we've been waiting a long time to take our kids mtn biking! We're planning to get to know these trails very well... Happy Riding! | ||||||||||||||||||
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No detailed review given. | ||||||||||||||||||
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The trails at Harris Lake County Park are awesome. I am very good at handling my bike, I just began riding again about 2 weeks ago and already have ridden all of the trails. The beginner loop is very easy and short (.7 miles or so). The intermediate trails are a little longer (2 miles), while the advanced long (5 miles). I think that even the advanced trail isnt that technically challenging, it is more a test of endurance. That, I think is how one should look at the rating system of the trails here. I am seriously thinking of buying a bike with at least front shocks as a good amount of these trails have some bumpy, root-filled sections. Overall, a place I will call home for a while. | ||||||||||||||||||
