West of Wilkesboro, the Dark Mountain Trail system is currently a 6 mile singletrack with plans to expand to 30 miles. The main trail, a doubletrack jeep road, runs up a forested ridge and across the top. A network of interlocking singletrack trailsmountain biking loops off the jeep road. The trails toughest climb comes at the start, as the jeep road makes a steep ascent to the top of the ridge. The trail network features loop after loop of singletrack trail rolling through a mature forest with tall poplars and pines. Youll roll through a rhodendron tunnel, dip past an old homestead, skirt the edge of a pony pasture and cruise past a finger of the lake on the trails.
The multi-use Dark Mountain trail system begins at the edge of the large field at the north end of W. Kerr Scott Dam, just a few miles from U.S. 421 in Wilkesboro.
To get to W. Kerr Scott Dam from Winston-Salem and points east, follow US421 south to Exit 286B (SR268). Turn left at the traffic light at the bottom of the exit ramp. Proceed approximately 3.0 miles. Turn right onto Reservoir Road; look for a large brown W. Kerr Scott directional sign. Drive across W. Kerr Scott Dam. Park in the lot down the hill to the left.
The trails are around W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Make sure to park outside the gate, if you plan to be riding after hours (gate hours are posted at the Dam).
Overall, Dark Mountain Trails is the 7th most popular mountain bike trail of all 24 mountain biking rides in North Carolina.
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