The best MTB trails in Union County
5.0
(10)
307
riders
9
rides
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking in Union County, North Carolina, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails out there, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, and we're here to give you the curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails in Union County, saving…
Last updated: June 2, 2026
61
riders
18.7km
01:07
150m
140m
The Prairie and Paradise Loops Trail offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, blending open meadows with dense woodlands. You'll ride on "flowy, machined singletrack" over hard-packed Carolina red clay, enjoying…
5.0
(1)
32
riders
8.11km
00:40
50m
50m
The Colonel J. Francis Beatty Regional Park loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience, weaving through peaceful woodland trails and quiet pine groves. You'll enjoy scenic lake views as the…
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2
riders
65.4km
03:49
470m
470m
The Fort Hill Trifecta loop offers a comprehensive mountain biking experience, weaving through varied terrain and notable landmarks. You'll pass the scenic 'View of the Prairie' in the Anne Springs…
4.33km
00:23
10m
10m
The Larry McAfee Course at McAlpine Creek Park offers a delightful mountain biking experience on mostly flat, hard-packed gravel trails. You'll pedal through pleasant natural trees and green spaces, enjoying…
5.0
(8)
114
riders
15.0km
00:51
100m
100m
The Sherman Branch Nature Preserve offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, with flowing singletrack trails that weave through beautiful hardwood forests and open fields. You'll find a mix of gradual…
29
riders
6.68km
00:33
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
28
riders
9.32km
00:33
70m
70m
The Prairie View loop from Lake Crandall offers a delightful, easy mountain biking experience, perfect for a quick outing. You'll pedal through open prairie landscapes, enjoying the expansive views that…
10
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
The Sherman Branch Nature Preserve offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, featuring flowing singletrack that winds through tranquil hardwood forests and open fields. You'll encounter a diverse terrain with rolling…
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Tips from the Community
You will find a lot of roots, but the trail seems to be well-maintained.
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Anne Springs Greenway has fast, flowy and easy system of trails.
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Flowy and fun, with berms and safe jumps.
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The perfect spot for beginning mountain bikers looking for an easy route, McAlpine Creek Park is a perfect blend of wildlife and wooded areas.
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This quaint little park along the greenway features an observation platform over the marshes and the sculpture STEM by John Grade. STEM was inspired by the movement of water through plant stems, and encourages the viewer to look at familiar nature from a different perspective. There is ample street parking by the greenway.
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Enjoy a view of the prairie and its abundant vegetation. You will also find a great gravel road leading to and from this spot.
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Purser-Hulsey Park has a lot to offer for its size. There's a dog park and a community garden, as well as 3 separate trails for hiking and biking. One of which goes through an "Enchanted Forest" with various structures and art pieces to discover.
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Sherman Branch is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, it's in a beautiful location and could be worth a stop on your ride, if you have the time. There's also restrooms in the parking area, should you be in need when you pass by.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Union County?
Union County offers over 10 mountain bike routes, catering to various skill levels. The majority of these, 9 out of 11, are rated as easy, with 2 moderate options for those seeking a bit more challenge.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Union County?
Yes, Union County has several family-friendly options, predominantly easy-rated trails. A good choice is the McAlpine Creek Park loop — Charlotte, which is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long and takes about 23 minutes to complete. This trail offers a pleasant ride suitable for most ages.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Union County?
Mountain biking in Union County, North Carolina, features diverse terrain. You'll find extensive woodlands and singletrack paths. Some areas, particularly within parks like Cane Creek Park, offer varied surfaces, from green difficulty singletrack to more challenging sections with bare rock and roots. The landscape includes both forested areas and open spaces.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails in Union County?
Many of the trails in Union County are designed as loops, providing a convenient riding experience. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Lake Crandall is an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) route that can be completed in about 19 minutes. Another option is the Mountainbike loop from Bethel Glen, an easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) ride taking around 23 minutes.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Union County?
The trails in Union County are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the accessibility of easy loops, and the well-maintained paths that wind through the region's woodlands and parks.
Are there any longer mountain bike routes for experienced riders?
While many trails are easy, Union County does offer longer routes. The Huntingtowne Farms Park loop from Huntley Glen is an easy but substantial 14.0 miles (22.6 km) ride, typically taking about 1 hour 10 minutes. For a moderate challenge, the Fort Hill Trifecta loop — Fort Hill is 40.6 miles (65.4 km) and takes nearly 4 hours to complete.
Where can I find mountain biking trails with natural preserve settings?
You can explore trails within natural preserve settings, such as the Sherman Branch Nature Preserve loop from Sherman Branch Nature Preserve. This easy route is 9.3 miles (15.0 km) long and offers a ride through a protected natural area, typically taking about 51 minutes.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Union County?
Union County, North Carolina, generally offers good mountain biking conditions for much of the year. The region's deciduous landscape is particularly scenic in spring and fall. While specific trail conditions can vary, the mild climate often allows for riding outside of peak summer heat or potential winter freezes.
Are there any parks in Union County, NC, that are popular for mountain biking?
Yes, Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw is a prominent location for mountain biking in Union County, NC, offering over 1,300 acres of woodlands and diverse trails. Another popular spot is Colonel J. Francis Beatty Regional Park, which features the Colonel J. Francis Beatty Regional Park loop, an easy 5.0 miles (8.1 km) path.
Are there any trails suitable for beginners in Union County?
Absolutely. Union County has a strong selection of beginner-friendly trails. The Prairie and Paradise Loops — Fort Mill is an excellent choice for beginners, offering an easy 11.6 miles (18.7 km) ride that takes approximately 1 hour 7 minutes through varied landscapes.
Most popular routes in Union County
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