The best MTB trails around Durham
4.7
(118)
1,354
riders
57
rides
Mountain biking around Durham offers a diverse landscape for riders of all levels. The region features extensive forested areas, including the Carolina North Forest, providing shaded trails and natural terrain. Riders can expect routes that navigate through rolling hills and alongside natural features like Lake Crabtree. The elevation changes are generally moderate, making it suitable for a range of mountain biking experiences.
Best mountain bike trails around Durham
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Springhouse and Buckeye Loop, an 11.1 miles (17.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 29 minutes to complete. This easy route offers a pleasant ride through varied woodland.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Lake Crabtree County Park Trails, an easy 5.6 miles (9.1 km) path. This trail provides scenic views around the lake and through parkland.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Carolina North Forest loop, an 18.0 miles (28.9 km) trail leading through dense forest, often completed in about 2 hours 21 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Durham is defined by extensive forest trails, lakeside paths, and rolling terrain. The network offers options for easy and moderate routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Durham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 90 reviews. More than 1,300 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Durham's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
5.0
(7)
115
riders
17.9km
01:30
110m
110m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(14)
74
riders
9.07km
00:45
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(7)
37
riders
28.9km
02:21
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
35
riders
23.3km
01:51
130m
130m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
14
riders
9.09km
00:45
70m
70m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
These trails are permanently closed.
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This is a great loop for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. You will find some roots and drops to challenge you, and the trail is generally less crowded than others in Lake Crabtree.
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Brumley Forest Pond is a small reservoir within the Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. There is a singletrack trail that hugs the shores of the pond, which connects to the many miles of other trails on the property.
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Loop 4 is the most advanced trail in the park. It introduces challenges suitable for novice riders while offering enough variety to captivate and entice intermediate riders, making it a sought-after choice for multiple laps in the well-known triangle area.
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Crabtree Creek is a 28.7-mile creek that runs into the Neuse River. It flows through William B. Umstead State Park.
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There are not many open areas in Brumley Forest, but this pond is one of them. If you don't mind a little detour, you can even enjoy your break on the pier. Be aware that you must dismount your bike for the few hundred feet connecting the MTB trail with the pond.
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This section is representative of the other trails you will encounter throughout Brumley Forest. Expect fun switchbacks, single tracks, and a few climbs and great descents.
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This section has great twists which could almost be considered as switchbacks. It also crosses a stream and is a great start or finisher to your ride, depending on the direction in which you take it. Occasionally, you will have planes flying right above your head as the Horace Williams Airport is right next door.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there in Durham?
There are nearly 50 mountain bike trails around Durham, offering a diverse range of experiences. Most of these are rated as easy or moderate, with no difficult routes, making the area accessible for various skill levels.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Durham?
Yes, Durham offers many trails suitable for beginners. Over half of the routes, 27 in total, are rated as easy. An excellent option for those starting out is the Rocky Road Trail, which is 9.1 km long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
What are the options for more advanced mountain bikers in Durham?
While there are no trails explicitly rated as 'difficult,' Durham features 20 moderate mountain bike routes that offer a greater challenge than the easy trails. The Carolina North Forest Eastern loop is a good choice, covering 23.3 km with moderate elevation changes.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Durham?
Many of Durham's easy trails are suitable for families. Routes like the Lake Crabtree County Park Trails offer scenic views and relatively flat terrain, making them enjoyable for riders of different ages and abilities.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Durham?
Durham's mountain biking trails are generally enjoyable year-round. The extensive forested areas, such as the Carolina North Forest, provide shade during warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while winter riding is possible, though conditions may vary with weather.
Are there mountain bike trails in Durham with scenic views?
Yes, many trails in Durham offer scenic views, particularly those around natural features. The Lake Crabtree County Park Trails provide picturesque views of Lake Crabtree and its surrounding parkland.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Durham?
The mountain bike trails in Durham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, well-maintained paths, and the natural beauty of the forested areas and lakeside routes.
Are there circular mountain bike routes in Durham?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Durham are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Carolina North Forest loop is a popular circular route that takes you through dense forest.
What attractions can I find near the mountain bike trails in Durham?
Around Durham's mountain bike trails, you can explore various attractions. Highlights include the American Tobacco Trail, Lake Crabtree on the Crabtree Creek Greenway, and Fred G. Bond Metro Park, offering additional recreational opportunities.
Are there any trails that pass by lakes or water features?
Yes, several trails in Durham feature lakes and water bodies. The Lake Crabtree County Park Trails are a prime example, offering routes directly alongside Lake Crabtree. You can also find highlights like Big Lake nearby.
What is the typical length of mountain bike trails in Durham?
The mountain bike trails in Durham vary in length. Many easy routes are around 9-18 km, such as the Springhouse and Buckeye Loop at 17.9 km. Longer moderate routes, like the Carolina North Forest loop, can extend up to 28.9 km.
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