The best traffic-free bike rides in Moore County

Moore County offers around a dozen dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. These routes range from easy to moderate, providing options for various skill levels to enjoy the unique Sandhills terrain and longleaf pine forests.

Thanks to its mild winters, Moore County is suitable for year-round cycling. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures, while even winter months can be enjoyable for outdoor activities.

Yes, there are easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Pinehurst Lake loop from Pinehurst is an easy 19.9 km ride that offers scenic views within the community.

The routes in Moore County feature the distinctive Sandhills terrain, characterized by sandy soils and expansive longleaf pine forests. You'll find gently rolling hills, with some routes offering notable elevation changes, providing a varied cycling experience.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Reservoir Park Pond loop from Whispering Pines is a moderate 64.8 km route with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Blue Brothers Pond loop from Walthour-Moss Foundation Reserve, which covers 52.0 km through natural reserves.

Many routes wind through beautiful longleaf pine forests, a defining characteristic of the Sandhills. You can also expect to see tranquil lakes and creeks, such as Pine Lake and Drowning Creek, which often accompany the trails and greenways.

Moore County boasts extensive greenway systems. The Southern Pines Greenway System offers over 11 miles of trails, including the popular Reservoir Park trail. The Pinehurst Greenway winds for nearly 6 miles through the community, passing through Rassie Wicker Park and the Pinehurst Arboretum.

The komoot community rates the road cycling experience in Moore County highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic routes through the unique Sandhills landscape and the well-maintained greenway systems that offer traffic-free riding.

Yes, several routes pass near or through significant natural areas. The Blue Brothers Pond loop, for instance, is close to the Walthour-Moss Foundation, a vast preserve. The Pinehurst Greenway also offers access to the Pinehurst Arboretum.

Many greenway systems and popular routes, such as those starting from Pinehurst or Whispering Pines, offer designated parking areas. For specific routes like the Roadbike loop from Pinehurst, parking is typically available near the starting points in the respective towns.

Most of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Moore County are designed as convenient loop routes. This allows cyclists to start and finish at the same location, making planning easier. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Pinehurst and the Pinehurst Lake loop.