North Carolina is a haven for dirt bike riders looking for an adventure through wooded trails and wide-open spaces. From the four OHV trail systems in North Carolina’s national forests to privately-owned motocross tracks and well-kept trails, there’s lots to explore.
North Carolina has a lot of dirt bike trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether it’s just a one-day ride or an overnight camping trip, The Old North State has much to offer.
Here are the 15 best dirt bike trails in North Carolina:
- 5 Points MX Park
- Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
- Black Swamp OHV Trail
- Blackjack Mx Off-Road Park
- Brown Mountain OHV Trail
- Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park
- Busco Beach and ATV Park
- Carolina Adventure World
- Dirt World – Off-Road Motorsports
- Rockcrusher Farm
- North Carolina Motorsports Park
- Outback Motorsports ATV Park
- Shelby MX Express
- Uwharrie Trails
- Wayehutta OHV Trail
You can’t go wrong picking North Carolina for your next dirt bike adventure. There are miles of trail to explore. Let’s go through some of the top dirt bike tracks in NC.
15 Best Dirt Bike Trails in NC
1. 5 Points MX Park
5 Points MX Park offers a motocross track and practice facility for all skill levels. The park is open to motorcycles, dirt bikes, and 4-wheelers daily from 9 am to dark. Grooming of the track usually takes place on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings, so it’s a good idea to call before you head out. There is no need to get a permit to ride the track, but check out their website to know more about fees and other important information.
2. Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
The Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex is the only OHV trail system in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. It offers 16 miles of trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. A permit is required and should be displayed. The trail system has six trailheads and is open 24 hours a day from April 1 to December 15.
The Cotton Place Trailhead located on the eastern end of the Daniel Trail is a tough section, so prepare beforehand. There are orange diamond markers for designated 2-way motorized trails. For night rides, make sure to have working headlights and tail lights.
Campgrounds with basic amenities are available in nearby Arrowhead Campground, Badin Lake Campground, and Badin Lake Group Camp.
3. Black Swamp OHV Trail
Black Swamp OHV Trail offers 8 miles of exciting terrain. The mostly flat mud trails weave through pine and scrub oak forest. During wet weather, the area can get too muddy and may cause closure. It’s best to call before heading out.
The trail is open year-round, and you will need to secure a trail riding permit. Only motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, UTVs & SXS with a maximum width of 50 inches are permitted on the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas. For more information about fees, restrictions, and other information, visit the USDA website.
4. Blackjack MX Off-Road Park
Blackjack motocross park has a main track that is designed for both novice and expert riders. There is also a large peewee track separate from the main track. The mostly sand and mulch trail is open on Fridays from noon to dark and during weekends. It only allows motorcycles, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers.
5. Brown Mountain OHV Trail
Brown Mountain OHV Trail has 34 miles of marked and groomed trails for all skill levels and is known for its seasonal mud pits. There are signs at the head of each section. Make sure to get a trail pass before riding.
The area is open 24 hours every day from March 29 to January 1. There are dispersed camping sites available, but take note that weekends are almost always hectic.
6. Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park
This 1,700-acre park offers over 100 miles of one-way only trails for dirt bikes. Located in the scenic Brushy Mountains of North Carolina, the trails weave through heavily wooded areas and offer challenges for all skill levels. Both ATV and motorcycle trails are available, and there’s also a dirt bike and sport quad motocross track.
The park opens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Members are also able to ride on Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Primitive camping is available in designated areas and adjoining sites. There are park signs throughout the trails, and all riders should be familiar with them before riding. Visit their website for more information regarding fees, passes, membership, and more.
7. Busco Beach and ATV Park
Busco Beach and ATV Park offer 5 miles of trails for dirt bikes, four-wheelers, UTV, and SXS. It’s a recreational riding facility with a beach along its outer perimeter. The marked trails are lightly maintained with many small jumps, steep hills, water crossings, berms, sand and gravel pits, and a few large jumps.
Camping facilities, both primitive and some with full hook-up sites, are available in designated areas. For information about fees, passes, reservations, upcoming events, etc. check out their website.
8. Carolina Adventure World
The 2,600-acre Carolina Adventure World is reputed to be ‘The Southeast Largest ATV, UTV, and Dirt Bike Riding Park”. With over 100 miles of riding trails, there is fun and adventure for riders of all skill levels. There are 10 miles of dedicated dirt bike trails and horseback riding.
The park is open all week, depending on weather conditions. The gate will open each day at 8:00 am and close at 11:00 pm, and 24-hour security will be provided.
9. Dirt World Off-Road Motorsports
Dirt World Off-Road Motorsports offers over 5 miles of trail with a motocross track for all skill levels, an outdoor track, a youth track, two kid tracks, and a woods course. It’s a favorite family-friendly riding destination open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 3 pm.
A permit is not required to ride the trails. The trails are generally designated for motorcycles and dirt bikes, but there are some areas where four-wheelers, UTV, and SXS are permitted. The trail is mostly loose dirt with many small jumps and berms and some large jumps.
10. Rockcrusher Farm
The more than 560 acre-Rockcrusher Farm offers 20 miles of marked trails for motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, UTV, and SXS. There four motocross tracks, six directional routes over 20 miles, 15 miles of Diamond level difficulty areas, and 11 extreme rugged hill climbs. There is no need to get a permit, but there is a riding fee.
The trails are open during select dates only. You should call before you head out. For the latest updates regarding events, weather conditions, and closing due to inclement weather, visit their Facebook Page or website.
11. North Carolina Motorsports Park
The 230-acre North Carolina Motorsports Park offers 9 miles of trail for riders of all skill levels. From the 1-mile beginner loop to the adrenaline-pumping ‘The Big Hill,’ bikers will surely have a grand time here. There’s a fast 2-track, a tight single-track, sudden changes in elevation, creek crossings, rocky hills coupled with widely varying terrain. The park is among the top go-to places for dirt bike riders to practice and hone their skills between races.
There is no need for a permit to ride the trails. Only motorcycles and dirt bikes are permitted. There are fees for riding and camping.
12. Outback Motorsports ATV Park
The more than 600-acre Outback Motorsports ATV & MX Park offers multiple tracks perfect for dirt bikes. The trails weave through wooded areas and along a riverbank. Riders can test their skills as they maneuver their way through ponds, a mud bog, several sand pits, and a drag strip. The main track is 1.5 miles long. There is also a flat/round track and a peewee track for beginners. The mostly loose-dirt trails are marked and lightly maintained. There are areas for camping with both primitive and RV hook-ups.
The park is open from 9 am to dusk, and you do not need a permit to ride the trails. Call first and check out their website before heading out for detailed visitor information, including fees and passes.
13. Shelby MX Express
The 100-acre Shelby MX Express offers 3 miles of marked trails for riders of all skill levels. It’s a family-oriented facility, and it has a vet track and kids track and plenty of open areas for practice and beginner-friendly trails. The 1.2 miles of motocross track has challenging obstacles and jumps, which provide excellent practice for experienced riders to improve their lap times.
The park is open daily but call ahead for more info, such as conditions. Inclement weather can cause sudden closures. Only motorcycles, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers are permitted in the area.
14. Uwharrie Trails
Uwharrie Trails offer 20 miles of mostly dusty trails winding through wooded areas. They have some mud, rocks, steep hills, and water crossings. The 20-mile route is primarily for 4x4s and four-wheelers, but dirt bikes, motorcycles, UTV, and SXS are permitted. You need an OHV Trail Pass to ride the trails, which open from April 1- December 15. Night riding is permitted provided that vehicles have working headlights and brake lights.
There is free primitive camping at Art Lilley Campground, which also has direct access to the trail. Full-service campgrounds are available in nearby Arrowhead Campground and Badin Lake Campground, but the downside is these campgrounds don’t have direct off-road access, so there is a need to haul the machines to and from the staging areas.
15. Wayehutta OHV Trail
The Wayehutta OHV Trail has 28 miles of marked trails for dirt bikes. It’s a family-oriented trail system with areas great for beginners and kids. The routes take riders through several bridge crossings, mounds of dirt, dense forest vegetation, and a scenic waterfall. Some parts of the trails are very rocky, with a few steep hills and some berms.
The main staging area is only for day-use, and camping is not allowed in the park. The trail system is open from April 1- December 15 from dawn to dusk. No permit is required to ride the trails, but passes must be purchased in advance.
Conclusion – 15 Best Dirt Bike Trails In NC
To summarize, the best dirt bike trails in North Carolina are as follows:
- 5 Points MX Park
- Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
- Black Swamp OHV Trail
- Blackjack Mx Off-Road Park
- Brown Mountain OHV Trail
- Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park
- Busco Beach and ATV Park
- Carolina Adventure World
- Dirt World – Off-Road Motorsports
- Rockcrusher Farm
- North Carolina Motorsports Park
- Outback Motorsports ATV Park
- Shelby MX Express
- Uwharrie Trails
- Wayehutta OHV Trail
From well-maintained pristine bike trails to muddy paths weaving through wooded areas and scenic vistas, North Carolina should be on your list for exciting and memorable dirt bike adventures that will keep you coming back for more.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris