Back Yard - Mountain Bike Trail

Are you searching for an advanced-level trail that would offer you a wholesome ride experience while enjoying the chills of the outdoors? Then, the Back Yard Trails, found in Charlotte, North Carolina, is just the place you need. This fantastic trail is one of the best choices for advanced mountain bikers. 

Located deep in the heart of Charlotte, the trail is 17.7 km long and is immensely appreciated for its unique grounds that give off a primitive yet urban feel making it quite technical. Read more to discover unique details about this trail. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Back Yard Trail is quite famous in North Carolina with mountain bikers as it is found quite deep within Charlotte. Amazingly, the trail runs on what is left of a water treatment plant over a hundred years old. One incredible thing that makes this trail unique is its technical feel, created with a blend of aging infrastructural works and the rich brown earth. As a result of its rugged outlook, it is best suited for riders with advanced riding skills. A signpost at the entrance advises beginners and intermediate riders to keep off the trail. 

You can find the trailhead on Farmbrook Drive, just east of Tyvola Rd, and it opens up to a self-contained loop. Spanning 11 miles in length, the trail is quite challenging, even for advanced riders. Its several segments can also be linked using the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, offering you a sight of the nearby Park Road Trails.  

The trail itself is divided into different segments with varying difficulty levels. Once you enter the Front Third or the Skinny Loop via Farmbrook Drive, your ride through would be relatively easy as it is the trail’s least challenging area. 

However, the ride gets trickier at the Middle Third, a portion of the trail consisting of narrow concrete railways, long miles of primitive single track, and jump lines. Finally, advanced riders willing to drive dirty can pass through the Back Third, which has a highly technical and challenging terrain with technical maneuvers and punchy climbs, also largely filled with natural rocks. The Back Yard Trail is singletrack with an elevation gain of 306 up and an elevation loss of 307 down. 

Additional Trail Features 

One striking thing about this trail is the presence of jump line areas designed to make rides challenging and creative. There are also mini loops and dirt jump segments that allow riders to be expressive and face their fears.

Recommendations/Precautions

Riders should carry enough water and food supplies since there is no information on drinking water on the trail. Also, due to the technical nature of the trail, riders should always look before leaping, especially in jump areas. 

Like with most other trails, having a first aid kit while riding the Back Yard Trail will come in handy as the tricky nature of the trail might delay help. 

Conclusion 

The Back Yard Trail remains one of the most challenging biking trails for advanced riders while also offering an exciting experience for riders. The trailhead that begins on Farmbrook drive continues into a network of punchy climbs, primitive singletrack, and jump lines. This trail is a fantastic choice for advanced bikers to have fun while exploring their skills.