Rocky River - Mountain Biking Trail

Are you looking for an intermediate-level trail that offers an exciting and challenging ride along with scenic views? The Rocky River Traili, located in Concord, North Carolina might be the perfect choice for you. It’s perhaps the best bike trail in California. 

This 14.5 km trail is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It is known for its punchy climbs, tight trees, log overs, fast downhill runs, rock gardens, and lots of berms and jumps along the way. Let's dive into the details of 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

Rocky River Trail Description

The Rocky River Trail is a popular hiking trail that runs adjacent of the stunning Rocky River in North Carolina, USA. This trail is a beautiful combination of nature's beauty and man-made engineering that offers a wonderful experience for hikers of all levels.

The trailhead for the Rocky River Trail is located off Park Lafferty road, less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte. The trail spans 9 miles in length and is known for its moderate difficulty level. So, it is accessible to both seasoned hikers and novices. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it easy to navigate through the beautiful scenery.

From its trailhead, Rocky River Trail takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes you'll ever see. The trail is a loop configuration, which means that you'll end up where you started. The trail is mainly singletrack and has an elevation gain of 571 up and an elevation loss of 529 down. 

The trail's surface is mostly dirt, and you'll encounter some rocky sections along the way on your bike. The trail takes you through thick forests, open meadows, and over several streams. As you ride, you'll pass through some beautiful national parks and wildlife reserves, offering you the chance to spot some local fauna.

Additional Features

The trail can be reached by car, and there is ample parking available at the starting point.  The trail is dog and e-bike friendly. It offers several challenging parts, including punchy climbs and fast downhill runs. Rocky River Trail has tight trees, rock gardens, and log overs, so riders should be careful and prepared for some technical riding. 

The Rocky River Trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species. Hikers are encouraged to stay on the trail and avoid disturbing the wildlife to preserve the natural habitat.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, and Views

One of the most striking features of the Rocky River Trail is the scenic landscapes you'll pass through. The trail takes you through several national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, you can catch a glimpse of elk, bighorn sheep, and other local fauna. 

The trail also offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. And you'll pass through several open meadows, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Recommendations/Precautions

Riders should ensure that they have adequate water and food supplies. 

The trail is intermediate in difficulty, and riders should prepare for technical sections and steep climbs. It's advisable to carry a first aid kit and repair kit, as the trail is remote, and help may not be readily available.

Conclusion

The Rocky River Trail offers a challenging and exciting ride through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. The trail's loop configuration allows for a convenient starting and ending point. Overall, the trail is an excellent choice for intermediate riders who want a thrilling and scenic mountain biking experience.