Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College Mountain Bike Trails: A Technical Haven Built by Riders, for Riders

Overview

• Distance: 5 mi
• Level: Difficult
• Route Type: Loop
• City: Banner Elk
• State: North Carolina

Getting There

Situated on the campus of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, the trails are easily accessible via highways N.C. 105 and Route 184 if you're coming from Boone. The college's exact address is 191 Main Street West, Banner Elk, NC 28604. For those arriving from Johnson City, Tennessee, you can take U.S. 19E to Elk Park and Route 194 to Banner Elk.

Home to Champions: A Legacy of National Titles

Lees-McRae College mountain bike trails boast a storied past, being the home of the 2007 & 2008 NCCA National Mountain Bike Championships. Created and maintained by students of the Lees-McRae College cycling team, these trails are nothing short of a labor of love, built to meet the expectations of seasoned riders.

A Trail of Many Faces

This 5-mile loop offers a smorgasbord of terrains, making it a highly stimulating course:

• Single Tracks: Roughly half of the trail is single track, half of which is passable.
• Two-lane Forestry Roads: Excellent for riders who enjoy a smoother experience.
• Gravel and Pavement: Provides a brief respite in the otherwise challenging course.
• Technical Challenges: Rock gardens, off-cambers, slippery rocks, switch-backs, power climbs, and taxing descents.

Each turn offers something new, from rocky to loamy surfaces, berms to bridges, and climbs to drops. And if that's not enough, prepare for a mile-long gravel road climb to the finish.

Events, Features, and Amenities

The campus also has a dual slalom course, a 1-mile Short Track, and additional trail features that get added yearly. These are active trails that are not just maintained but continually upgraded.Events are often hosted, and the college has excellent spectator facilities, especially at the lacrosse practice fields and the Mill Pond. Keep an eye out for top riders like Scott Stewart and Mike Anderson if you're a fan.

Rider's Insight

The experience at Lees-McRae is unique, from fun dual slaloms to very technical descents riddled with sharp rocks. While the course offers challenges year-round, optimal riding conditions are when the track is dry. It's a "choose your own path" trail, and although it can be poorly marked, you won't get lost. Always be on the lookout for updates, as this living trail keeps changing, offering returning riders fresh challenges.

Conclusion

Lees-McRae College mountain bike trails are designed for riders who seek to test their technical skills. From challenging terrains to unexpected twists and turns, the course has it all. It's a must-ride for any serious mountain biker.