Owl's Roost and Big Loop Trail

The trail is located within Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. You can find parking available at various points within the park, which provides direct access to the trail system.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within Bur-Mil Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The trail is popular year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant riding conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter riding is possible but conditions may vary.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Owl's Roost and Big Loop Trail or Bur-Mil Park itself. It's freely accessible to the public.

The route is rated as easy overall, but the Owl's Roost Trail section is primarily traditional singletrack with natural surfaces. Riders can expect numerous roots and short, steep climbs, making it moderately technical in parts. It offers a good workout with dips, twists, turns, and some newer flow features.

You'll primarily encounter natural singletrack surfaces with dirt, roots, and some short, punchy climbs and descents. There are also sections with newer flow and roll features. A notable feature is a ten-foot gully about halfway through the Owl's Roost Trail, which presents a rooty and challenging drop and climb.

The trail offers scenic views alongside Lake Brandt and winds through pine tree-filled woods. You'll pass by the Fishing Pier at Bur-Mil Park and ride through the engaging Owl's Roost Trail section, known for its twists and turns.

Yes, the route is part of a larger system and connects with other trails and greenways. It includes sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Segment 8 and the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway, allowing for longer rides and varied loops if you wish to extend your adventure.

While the overall route is rated easy, the Owl's Roost section has moderately technical singletrack with roots and short climbs. Beginners might find some sections challenging, but it's a great trail to develop skills. Families with younger or less experienced riders might prefer sticking to the less technical sections or the connected greenways initially.

Bur-Mil Park, where the trail is located, typically offers restrooms and other basic park amenities. For cafes, pubs, or more extensive services, you would need to venture a short distance into Greensboro, which is easily accessible from the park.

The Owl's Roost Trail has a distinguished reputation, having been recognized as the 'best urban mountain biking trail' in the country by Bicycling Magazine in 2003. It's celebrated for its engaging singletrack experience, offering a good balance of technical challenges and brisk riding within an accessible urban setting.