Your source for Mountain Biking in the Triangle
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill
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Your source for Mountain Biking in the Triangle Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill |
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| Category | Average Rating |
| Overall : |  3.9 / 5.0 based on 24 votes |
| Technical : |  2.5 / 5.0 based on 24 votes |
| Climbing : | 2.3 / 5.0 based on 24 votes |
| Freeride : |  0.9 / 5.0 based on 24 votes |
| Scenery/Wildlife : |  3.0 / 5.0 based on 24 votes |
| Flow : |  3.4 / 5.0 based on 18 votes |
Description: A great, reasonably
fast trail with few big hills. Great areas that really
flow and a nice little rock garden section to keep you
honest.
Location: Sanford
Miles: 6 miles
Skill Level: Intermediate
Directions:
Go South on US1, take a right at traffic light onto
Center Church Road. Go several miles to the end, then
take a left and first right onto Stanton Hill. Then take
the first right onto Underwood and stay right when the
road "Y"s. Follow signs around to the right to
parking area of Gov's Creek. Night riding is allowed here.
Driving Directions via Google
Governor's Creek Trail Map
Rules, guidelines, and definitions for our TriangleMTB.com trail reviews
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Overall solid trail, nothing spectacular or super challenging, but still a very solid ride. Trail is easy to follow, fairly well marked and well maintained. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Really fun and flowy. Seems like it may be easy to get lost if you are unfamiliar with the trail. Roughly 7-8 miles of trail, with a good variety of features. All features have ride-arounds, so it is good for all skill levels. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Lots of fun. Multiple trails. Trails well maintained. | ||||||||||||||||||
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No detailed review given. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Governors Creek MTB Trail is a great way to get in some riding time and get a sweat on. This trail system wasn't designed like San Lee Park MTB Trail, but instead was designed for one to ride a single track and get in a decent workout. If you're looking for jumps and berms this isn't the place. The climbing and switchbacks makes it interesting and at time challenging. There are some good flow areas, like the creek bed, and start point. THis system starts off fast, but where there is an up there is a down. I have been riding this trail system for years and haven't been disappointed. Parking is great and the one thing that I would like to see is trail markers or maybe mile markers. There is a great drop with a rock garden ending with a wooden bridge crossing over a stream, this is neat because they offer you two options to get to the bridge, straight will get you off your seat and going right will avoid the steep downhill approach to the bridge. Either way this system is great because it allows MTN Bikers the ability to enjoy their passion. I highly recommend this trail system to anyone who wants to get it in. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Made the trip out here a few weeks ago and LOVED it. Super fun, fast and flowy. Easily one of my favorite trails in the area. | ||||||||||||||||||
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I have some questions, in lieu of a review. What are the rules for night riding? Would we sign up in advance, or does the park remain open to a certain time? Could someone offer a review germane to and specific to a night ride review? Thank you. |
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Fast and fun ride when looking for something other than San Lee in the same area. Not very technical but a good place to push a 29' for speed. | ||||||||||||||||||
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I have ridden the full loop on two occasions (one wet...much slower with all the damp roots) and one dry. Awesome and fun trail, decent variety of sections, nice flow of up and down combos and can be enjoyed at a very quick pace, or moderate if you choose, without causing a more difficult ride over the terrain. My 9 year old also cleared all but the "rock garden" (semi-technical short downhill of rocks and loose stones) in his first single track experience on a 26" bike...so while you can go really fast there and get in trouble in places, anyone with some seat time can enjoy virtually all of the course! | ||||||||||||||||||
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Bottom Line Up Front: Not a true beginner trail, but the next step. If you are ready to leave the smooth and groomed dirt or concrete trails, this is a good suggestion with the opportunity to get off and walk up/down sections as you please. For intermediate or advanced, it's a bit lackluster outside of earning some cardio. Governor's Creek is somewhat of a shorter trail at around 7 miles that relies on many switchbacks and out-and-back turns in the trial to make up the distance. For those south of the triangle area though, it is one of only two options though (San Lee being the other). I wouldn't go looking for anything challenging on this trail if you are intermediate or above, it just isn't there. The " rock garden" mentioned is really a whole 100 feet of downhill riding with a couple piles of rocks in there. They aren't more than 12 feet long or so and don't have anything you can't roll over. Climbing is marginal with no sections that really require you to get out of the saddle. There are a handful of spots where you can pick up some speed for downhills if desired, but nothing serious. There is a fair amount of random small roots and a few sections that do not drain very well either, so just be careful. Overall it's a good loop if you are trying to get a power lap and bust it out as fast as possible for leg strength and cardio. The trail seems to be frequented enough that if you were to get injured you'd be found in a timely manner, but not busy enough that it's crowded. Pretty quiet and has squirrels bouncing around for your enjoyment. |
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