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New Light Trails

TORC is in the process of formalizing a relationship with the land manager(WRC). Through several meetings we have established TORC's new role at New Light. TORC will manage the trails, oversee trail status(open/close) and reroute the trail per the WRC wishes and for sustainability. A MOU for the trails is being drafted and every effort is being made to satisfy the desires of the WRC. We have a very delicate relationship at NL and we hope that through is process we will build a stronger more reliable partnership. TORC also understands that a decrease in mileage at New Light is inevitable and is doing everything possible to ensure that reroutes and new trail sections will be well built and challenging. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Description
Location: North Raleigh, near Falls Lake
Miles: ~7
Skill Level: all skill levels; singletrack is mostly intermediate, some advanced
Trail Map
Directions
Rules of the Trail

UPDATE: June 27, 2006
Left Loop and Right Loop closed

The Eastern Territory consisting of both Left Loop and Right Loop are permanently closed by order of the land management. Please respect the closure so as not to jeapordize access to New Light.

UPDATE: April 20, 2004
Burned Out trail closed

We have met with the Wildlife Resources Commission and whereas they are still allowing us to ride at New Light, they are concerned with the number of trails we have in the area and that we might be disrupting the wildlife. Therefore, they have asked us to shut down the Burned Out trail to provide an area for wildlife where we are not riding. So in about three weeks, we will be shutting down Burned Out…so enjoy it while you can. Also, please do not build any more trails at New Light. Wildlife is currently fine with the number of trails we will have but they do not want any more.

Finally, we will be organizing a trails day for New Light in the very near future. In general, the trails are in good shape but we do need a bit of maintenance work. Since www.trianglemtb.com is the official web site for the North Raleigh Mountain Biking Association, please check here for details of the next trails day for New Light.

Thanks for your continued support

Sig Hutchinson
President
North Raleigh Mountain Biking Association

 

 

First of all, a big thank you to NRMBA for working with the State Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) to allow mountain bikers on this land. It's a shame these trails aren't open every day of the year, because they are miles and miles of the sweetest singletrack around--especially for intermediate and advanced riders. This trail was voted number one by TriangleMTB.com users in the fall of 2002. It's a real gem!

Even when there's lots of folks there, you can ride all day in these woods and hardly see another rider. But don't worry about getting lost, because NRMBA volunteers have done a great job of putting "parking lot this way" signs up at the end of every trail. Steep and rocky hill climbs, decent downhills, small and large gullies, tight turns, big log rolls and beautiful views of the forest and lake await you.

IMPORTANT RULES: . According to the agreement with WRC, they will only be open on Sundays beginning September 1 each year through May 15. From May 15 through August 31, they are open everyday. Please respect these rules--the area will be closed to riders if anyone is seen riding on closed trails.

The WRC has one mission, which is to protect hunters and hunting rights. And they are immune from political pressure so if they decide to close down New Light, there is no recourse. Thanks for your cooperation.

Please leave your dog at home!! Dogs are not allowed.

Also, NRMBA does not condone night riding here.

Directions
Start at Crabtree Valley Mall. Get on NC 50 (Creedmoor Rd) and go North.
When you get to NC 98 turn right to go East on NC 98.
You will go about 1.6 miles to the first traffic light. Turn left at the light -- this is New Light Rd.
You will cross Falls Lake -- keep going and at about 3.35 mi (from the traffic light) you will see Old Weaver Trail on your left.
Turn left on Old Weaver Trail. Go 0.5 mile, and you will see a dirt road on your left with evidence of parking on the side of the road.
You can drive down this road for a few hundred feet and park or you can park on the side of road.

Rules of the Trail
*This is Wildlife Commission Land -- it can be closed to biking if we do not follow the rules.
*Ride ONLY ON SUNDAY during hunting season (1 Sept - May 15).
*Do not ride at night.
*Do not make unauthorized trails -- NRMBA is coordinating trails which are approved by Wildlife Commission.
*Do not bring your dog. Dogs are not allowed.
*Horses are not allowed on this land, if they are seen they should be reported.


No night riding here
Night rides are not allowed at this trail. You jeapordize the relationship with land managers and cyclists by riding at night here.







"You know right away in mountain biking if you're on or not."
-Alison Sydor