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Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

Trail Reviews for Governors Creek as submitted by trianglemtb.com guests

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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



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.
Reviewed by:garc
Reviewed on:01/19/2014
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This was a great warm up trail for the season. It is physically demanding trail. Its not beginniners looking for a ride in the park. Its a clean challenge that offers a little of everything. It has a few techincal sections and flowy sections mixed in with mild climbs. My GPS has it measured as nearly 6 miles, but it makes you work every non stop. I felt like I did 12 miles.
Reviewed by:Weeg
Reviewed on:10/04/2013
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Haven't ridden here in 3 years. Seems some work has been doen with re-routes, etc. But it needs work.
Reviewed by:TJM0031
Reviewed on:01/12/2012
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Had a blast here this past Sat. Never been there before. It is out off some back roads outside of Sanford near Carthage, NC. There is an actual large grass/gravel parking lot and a good bit of folks were there.
That being said there were some great locals that gave me the 411 on the trailhead entrance and the best direction to ride the trails. Trails are great and flow well. Based on the large number of cars in the parking lot I rarely ran into other riders on my 2 laps. There are some tech sections back in there but nothing that you couldn't have fun with after a few tries. Walked the bottom portion of the first downhill rock garden to scope the best line thru and then cleaned it w/o dabbing on my second lap thru it. Some fairly large and challenging log rolls if thats your thing. It appeared as though there was some new trail sections being cut in since the dirt was fresh with an earthy smell and it was not ridden in completely yet. Someone has done a great job on this trail and it is well maintained and marked. Main loop is 6.5 miles exactly (clocked 12.91 miles on my computer when done) Can't wait to go back. Good climbing considering the flat nature of the land there as well!
Reviewed by:cyclerdood
Reviewed on:01/10/2012
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this is a fun trail! i like that it is one continuous ride, no stopping to choose a path or loop, it's non-stop.
at the beginning a sign reads-4 mi. race loop, 1.5 mi. challenge loop...riders can bypass the most difficult section in the back, but really should give it a go..some friendly locals told us the entry and exit were the hardest, and that is true. big chunky rocks going in, with a large steep drop across a creek to smaller rocks and fairly steep coming out. it's also very gnarly and rugged looking back there. some big whoops make it worth the effort! overall, a good job here by the trail builders. we'll come back for sure.
Reviewed by:Aquajern
Reviewed on:12/17/2011
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Beginning of this trail is just plain amazing, does slow down towards the mid-end, but finishes with a bang!
Nice down hills, roots, rocks, climbs, steep descents, ditch integrated sections are very nice as well. Just loved this trail.
There is a short loop and long loop, I recommend the long loop.

*Thanks for the landowner and trail builders great job on this one!

*Trail can be tricky to find it is off a road somewhere near a wood line, but there is almost always someone there riding so look for the cars.
Reviewed by:Storz
Reviewed on:06/06/2011
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This is a great loop and is becoming one of my favorite trails in the area. Lots of good switchbacks, some steep climbs and dips. Its about 6 miles in length, perfect for two laps.
Reviewed by:Chopperguth
Reviewed on:09/08/2009
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Overall pretty good job with this trail for the amount of land thay had to work with. Not to much climbing involved and well marked for those who are not fimilar with the area.
Reviewed by:Pivot_Head
Reviewed on:06/02/2009
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Not a technically demanding trail, but it still has a respectable fun factor. A few short climbs and one out-of-the-creek climb will have you clamoring for more, so do two loops!
Reviewed by:jimhess
Reviewed on:03/27/2009
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Very nice trail with new sections.
Reviewed by:Stumpjumper
Reviewed on:03/16/2009
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Great Flow fun and fast. They do a great deal of work to make this a good single track
Reviewed by:oldschoolride
Reviewed on:03/07/2009
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Reviewed by:Jack
Reviewed on:03/03/2009
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The trail is a lot of fun, especially considering it's pretty short. Not super technical and only one or two short tough climbs. There's a half dozen or so opportunities to catch a little air... nothing huge, but fun.
Reviewed by:MarkMTB
Reviewed on:03/01/2009
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Reviewed by:TANK
Reviewed on:02/28/2009
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I like this trail. Not a lot to it, just a good solid ride. I think one loop is about 6-7 miles. Several creek crossings, roots, a few rocks. Good place to car pool with a group, do this and San Lee is a good work out.

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