Two years ago we published five trails that we found to be especially speed-friendly, in large part because of their generally rockless and rootless treat. Today, we double the list, adding five more that we feel fit the bill.

Here are five trails/trail networks where speeding is understandable and should be tolerated.

1. Brumley Forest

Hillsborough, NC

7.5 miles

Multiple trails

There are about 15 miles of trail at Brumley Forest, half of which are open to mountain biking and have the best runner mojo. Wood Duck Way is a nice warm-up, connecting to the lengthy — 4.2 miles (more if you aren’t paying attention) — Springhouse Loop. You’ll find a few, brief rocky spots, engineered for the enjoyment of mountain bikers, but they break up the run with some focused tip-toeing. Throw in the whoop-de-doing Buckeye Loop and you’ve got 7.5 miles of fast, foot-friendly fun.

More info here.

2. Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle, NC

Mountain Trail/Grindstone Loop

6 miles

Two reasons to run this loop. First, it eschews the crowds that frequent the top of Pilot Mountain, where you can wait 30 minutes for a parking spot, and once you’re on the trail, you’re constantly dodging hikers. (You can begin this loop from the lonely Surry Line Road Access.) Second, it has it’s challenging moments (read: climbs) but none are severe and none last long. Plus, you’ll be spending your time in a nicely shaded hardwood forest, especially important on a summer run.

More info here.

3. Hagen Stone Park

Pleasant Garden (Triad area)

3.5 miles

Chatfield Trail

To indicate how threat-free most of this trail is, it’s one of the most popular cross-country courses in the region. It’s noted for its passing lanes, its push-me-but-don’t-break-me climbs, and its overall flow. As for the half mile or so that’s not part of the course, if you start from the gravel lot just inside the front gate and run clockwise, you’ll get it out of the way first, while you’re still fresh.

More info here.

4. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte

30 miles (with smaller runs easily doable)

Multiple trails

This multi-use network is shared by runners and mountain bikers, but the wide trails (in most spots) make it work for both. A traditional rating system for the mountain bikers makes it easy to see whether a trail is easy, intermediate, or holy-cow-how-did-I-wind-up-here? hard. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, the trail has good flow, and the compacted surface minimizes slippage. One caveat: while you don’t have to pay the Whitewater Center admission fee to run, you do have to pay to park: $5 a day, $40 a year.

More info here.

5. Harris Lake County Park

Holly Springs, NC

5 miles

Peninsula Trail

The true joy of this hike isn’t the smooth running surface, or the absence of elevation. Rather, it’s the ever-changing scenery that makes this 5 miles fly by. You’ll run through a swamp, amid the longleafs of a pine savannah, along the lake, past a disc golf course — you’ll even catch a glimpse of the nuclear reactor over yonder. That smooth trail surface lets you enjoy the views and allows your endorphin-energized brain to emphasize the pure enjoyment of the run.

More info here.

6. Merchants Millpond State Park

Gatesville, NC

6 miles

Lassiter Trail

The trail takes advantage of most of the 3,250-acre park, starting near the boathouse and spending about a mile or so within view of the millpond. It then explores the northeast section of the park, an area filled with mature forest that doesn’t betray its swamp heritage: overhead you’re likely to see Spanish moss and mistletoe clinging to the branches of ancient trees. Pines and a variety of hardwoods, including stately beech, are prevalent, as are a range of critters that enjoy wet environments. Carpenter frogs, leopard frogs, bull frogs, cricket frogs and species of tree frogs enjoy the wetlands as do various pond turtles and snapping turtles. The cottonmouth is also present, so beware. 

More info here.

7. Northwest River Park 

Chesapeake, VA

7.5 miles

Indian Creek, Molly Mitchell, Otter Point, Shuttle and Deer Island trails

The 8 miles of trail here are relatively flat, their configuration making for short loops of 2 miles or longer dashes to help shake the cobwebs. A favorite: from the main parking area, catch the Molly Mitchell Trail, which meanders through a wetland forest (the wetter portions negotiated with boardwalk and bridges) down to near Smith Creek. At the 2-mile mark you’ll hit the Shuttle Trail; if you’re hiking thirst is slaked, go right for the the mile-long hike back to your car. Otherwise, go left and, in a couple hundred feet, go left again on the Otter Point Trail, which will take you closer to Smith Creek and the wetlands. A mile later you’ll be at a grassy area and pier overlooking the Northwest River. Either return to the parking area on the Deer Island Trail (about a mile and a quarter, bringing your mileage up to 4.25) or loop around on the Indian Creek Trail, which will get your total mileage closer to 6. Good options, all.

More info here. 

8. Rivanna Trail 

Charlottesville, Va.

3.2 miles, with longer options

The 20-mile long Rivanna Trail is a bit psychotic. Some of its 19 sections are on the wild side (from Azalea Park to Jordan Park, for instance), but many offer the type of fast hiking you sometimes need — after work, perhaps. One such stretch is the 3.2-mile run from Riverview Park to Holmes Avenue near Darden Towe Park. This stretch is dominated by field and park land, and includes good access to the Rivanna River. The pavement (yes, it’s paved, but it has a wild feel) and the distance make this an especially attractive stretch for those seeking aerobic benefits. Speed walkers, runners, strollers, cyclists who don’t like doing battle with traffic all frequent this stretch. 

More info here.

9. Ivy Creek Natural Area

Earlysville, VA

7 miles

Various trails ranging in length from 0.2 to 1.6 miles.

There is to be no jogging on the seven miles of trail at Ivy Creek! Let’s get that straight up front. So while you may need to restrain yourself to some degree, you likely won’t mind: located at the base of the Blue Ridge, Ivy Creek is a mix of upland hardwood forest, stands of pine, meadows, streams, shoreline rambling along Rivanna River Reservoir and a native grass restoration project, all of which will make you slow down and savor.  Note: Frequently, you encounter a junction of trails. Take a map if you like, but otherwise, go with your favorite color (the trails are color-coded).

More info here.

10. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294 near Blowing Rock, NC

1 to 26 miles

We throw this mountain wonder into the mix to let you add some elevation gain to your workout. 

Moses Cone, a 3,600-acre retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a martahon’s-worth of smooth carriage trail that lets you focus on what’s along the trail, not on the trail itself. The mile-long walk around Bass Lake is especially foot-friendly and can be accessed just outside of Blowing Rock. A particularly accessible adventure from Charlotte and the Triad.

More information here.

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It started as a mellow saunter, progressed to an up-tempo hike, then, on a modest downhill, evolved into a trot. It was one of my first hikes at the Triangle Land Conservancy’s new Brumley Forest property near Hillsborough, and the absence of rocks and tree roots coupled with the gentle flow reminded me of my bygone days of being able to run a 10-minute mile on trail.

For the most part, I believe trails should be treated like a nice wine: savored and not rushed. But every once in a while, you find one that begs to be consumed with abandon. Here are five trails/trail networks where speeding is understandable and should be tolerated.

1. Brumley Forest

Hillsborough

7.5 miles

Multiple trails

There are about 15 miles of trail at Brumley Forest, half of which are open to mountain biking and have the best runner mojo. Wood Duck Way is a nice warm-up, connecting to the lengthy — 4.2 miles (more if you aren’t paying attention) — Springhouse Loop. You’ll find a few, brief rocky spots, engineered for the enjoyment of mountain bikers, but they break up the run with some focused tip-toeing. Throw in the whoop-de-doing Buckeye Loop and you’ve got 7.5 miles of fast, foot-friendly fun.

More info here.

2. Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle

Mountain Trail/Grindstone Loop

6 miles

Two reasons to run this loop. First, it eschews the crowds that frequent the top of Pilot Mountain, where you can wait 30 minutes for a parking spot, and once you’re on the trail, you’re constantly dodging hikers. (You can begin this loop from the lonely Surry Line Road Access.) Second, it has it’s challenging moments (read: climbs) but none are severe and none last long. Plus, you’ll be spending your time in a nicely shaded hardwood forest, especially important on a summer run.

More info here.

3. Hagen Stone Park

Pleasant Garden

3.5 miles

Chatfield Trail

To indicate how threat-free most of this trail is, it’s one of the most popular cross-country courses in the region. It’s noted for its passing lanes, its push-me-but-don’t-break-me climbs, and its overall flow. As for the half mile or so that’s not part of the course, if you start from the gravel lot just inside the front gate and run clockwise, you’ll get it out of the way first, while you’re still fresh.

More info here.

4. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte

30 miles (with smaller runs easily doable)

Multiple trails

This multi-use network is shared by runners and mountain bikers, but the wide trails (in most spots) make it work for both. A traditional rating system for the mountain bikers makes it easy to see whether a trail is easy, intermediate, or holy-cow-how-did-I-wind-up-here? hard. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, the trail has good flow, and the compacted surface minimizes slippage. One caveat: while you don’t have to pay the Whitewater Center admission fee to run, you do have to pay to park: $5 a day, $40 a year.

More info here.

5. Harris Lake County Park

Holly Springs

5 miles

Peninsula Trail

The true joy of this hike isn’t the smooth running surface, or the absence of elevation. Rather, it’s the ever-changing scenery that makes this 5 miles fly by. You’ll run through a swamp, amid the longleafs of a pine savannah, along the lake, past a disc golf course — you’ll even catch a glimpse of the nuclear reactor over yonder. That smooth trail surface lets you enjoy the views and allows your endorphin-energized brain to emphasize the pure enjoyment of the run.

More info here.

* * *

 
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As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the prospects for cross-country skiing were grim in the Triangle: the nearly six inches of snow forecast the night before — the minimum amount creating a sufficient base on some trails — had taken more the form of ice, a surface good for little more than hockey and busting your keister. But hey, it’s still early in this weather event dubbed Jonas.

So we’ll go ahead and optimistically resurrect our list of places to cross-country ski in the Triangle. And we’ve updated it to include spots in the Triad and Charlotte, where the prospect for Nordic skiing were more promising. Again, this is an update of a piece that originally ran on Jan. 28, 2014, and can now be found on our cross-country skiing site on our home page.

It’s days like today that I pat myself on the back for a decision made 13 years ago.

I’d just finished a gorgeous day on the groomed trails at the White Grass ski touring center in West Virginia and was returning my rental equipment.
“How was it?” asked the ski rental guy.
“Incredible!” I oozed. “I can’t wait to go again.”
“You know,” he said, “Our rental skis are for sale.” At a price, it turned out, that was more than I could afford but too good to refuse. I’ve used them a dozen times since; I’m hoping to make it a baker’s dozen tomorrow.
As Winter Storm Leon (sheesh) makes its way up the coast, the prospects are good for cross-country conditions, from the Triangle into the coastal plain. As of this morning, parts of the Triangle were expected to get up to six inches of snow — with points east forecast to get 10 inches or more.
On the right kind of trail, six inches is all it takes to make or decent cross-country conditions. Where might one find the right kind of trail?
Glad you asked.

Natural surface trails

Because of the rocks and roots found on most trails in the Triangle, you need a substantial amount of snow — 10 inches minimum — to ski. There are some exceptions, however:

Umstead State Park
Raleigh
The 13 miles of bike and bridle trail here offer the perfect base for six-inch conditions. A finely crushed gravel, the surface is devoid of the rocks and roots common on most trails hereabouts, thus, fewer imperfections to cover up. If you’re not comfortable with downhills, pick up the trail via the neighborhood entrance off Old Reedy Creek Road from Lake Crabtree. There, you’ll find more than two miles of flat trail before the rollers begin.
More info here.

Duke Forest
Durham, Orange and Alamance counties.
The fire roads here aren’t quite as surface-friendly as at Umstead, but they’re close. And there are lots of ‘em: the seven individual tracts making up the forest contain 7,020 acres and are accessed via 45 entrances. Learn more about the forest and where you can find helpful maps, by going here.

Al Buehler Cross Country Trail
Durham.
The 3.1-mile Al Buehler Trail has a foot-friendly natural surface similar to that at Umstead. It’s also got some rollers, making for some nice downhill action and some heart-pumping climbs.
More info here.

American Tobacco Trail
Wake, Chatham and Durham counties
At 22 miles, the ATT offers the prospect of long, contemplative escapes. It’s surface is finely crushed stone and because it follows an abandoned rail line, the trail is great for beginners or folks who haven’t been on skis in a while.
More info here.

Greenways

They’re relatively flat, their surface is smooth and because they snake throughout the region, they are generally accessible without a lot of time spent on icy roads. Here are some of the larger greenway networks in the area, which a quick snapshot and where you can go for more information, including how to find the greenway nearest you. You can also find maps, directions and detailed information about local greenways on GetGoingNC’s Greenway Guide.

Cary. The Cary greenway system has more than 70 miles down, anchored by the Black Creek Greenway running from Bond Park to Lake Crabtree and the White Oak Greenway, running from Bond Park nearly to the American Tobacco Trail. More info here.

Chapel Hill. Seven greenways are sprinkled throughout town, perhaps the most popular is the 1.5-mile Bolin Creek Trail, which runs from the Chapel Hill Community Center west to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
More info here.

Durham. In addition to the northern end of the American Tobacco Trail, Durham has several other greenways suitable for skiing, including the Third Fork Greenway.
More info here.

Raleigh. The capital city’s Capital Area Greenway System now has more than 100 miles of greenway, the spine of which is the 28-mile Neuse River Greenway. Lots of good opportunity for Raleigh residents.
More info here.

Farther east

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Four Oaks. Located just east of I-95, Howell Woods is in Leon’s sweetspot, with snowfall totals in the double digits possible. With 15 interconnected trails (the longest of which is just under a mile) navigating a variety of ecosystems, Howell Woods could be the nordic center of North Carolina in a few hours.
More info here.

Jones Lake State Park, Elizabethtown. Also in the storm’s sweetspot is Jones Lake State Park, which features a foot-and-ski-friendly 5-mile loop trail around its namesake lake. Gorgeous by foot, the trail should be especially fetching on skis.
More info here.

Smithfield. The 3.3-mile Buffalo Creek Greenway runs from downtown to the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center. A good bet, with snowfall totals in Smithfield expected to eclipse the six-inch mark.
More info here.

Alas, if you’re intrigued but don’t have skis and wonder where you can rent them, the closest place — and only place in North Carolina — is the Pineloa Inn and Ski Shop in the mountains.

Triad

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Coast

Two thoughts for you aspiring runners out there. First, you need a goal, which in the case of running is typically a race. You needn’t shoot for a finishing time, simply finishing is admirable for your first race.

Goal Two pertains to Goal One, and actually precedes it: go watch a race. There’s an energy and an excitement to a well-organized race that provides great incentive to start training and to keep training. It’s a supportive environment, and you’ll quickly see that not everyone, not even the majority, are fitness buffs out for a PR. Most simply like the camaraderie, the atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment.

To that end, we recommend Saturday’s 33rd Annual Tri-Span 10K and 5K in Wilmington. The race starts and ends downtown, crosses Memorial Bridge (the 10K crosses two more bridges, hence the “Tri-Span”), runs by the Battleship USS North Carolina and has generally great scenery. Runners recover with local watermelon, cantaloup and cold beverages.

A great race to run, a great race to watch.

Logistics: Saturday, July 11, 7 a.m., downtown Willmington. $30 in advance, $35 day of race. More info and registration here.

Saturday forecast: High of 77 at race time.

* * *

Looking ahead: On July 31, Halyburton Park in Wilmington holds a Blue Moon Kayaking Adventure — a sunset paddle from River Road Park to Shark Tooth Island. $35-$45. More info here or by calling 910.341.0075

Piedmont

In this world of ever-expanding 5Ks, it can be hard for one race to distinguish itself from another. Not a problem with Saturday’s Moonlight Bootlegger 5K.

First, it’s at night, starting right about sunset (8:50 p.m.). Why at night? It’s cooler, for one. But the race organizers have a better reason: “Just like our bootleggin’ ancestors, see if you can make it through the moonlit woods to get to the stompin’ grounds, where you can enjoy handcrafted moonshine and flatfoot it to live music.”

Second, in addition to the traditional race t-shirt, runners get a commemorative moonshine Mason jar. And after the race, in the dark of the woods, the post-race party includes live bluegrass and old timey music, and food and beverage, including “two moonshine drink tickets for those over the age of 21.” Plus, the race is at Hagan Stone Park in Pleasant Garden (the Triad), home to one of the state’s most popular 5K courses.

Logistics: Saturday, July 11, 8:50 p.m., Hagan Stone Park, Pleasant Garden. $45. For more info and to register, go here.

Saturday forecast: Race time temperature of 79 with a chance of thunderstorms.

* * *

Looking ahead: Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m., Nature Art and Journaling, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte. Free. More info by calling 704.432.6460.

Mountains

Until March 10, 2009, the mountain town of Spruce Pine was dry. On the 10th, local residents decided enough of that, and voted to go wet. Every year since, they’ve celebrate their libation emancipation with the Prohibition 4K.

The event this year is Saturday at 6 p.m. It begins with the race — entry fee includes a festive race bib, a pint glass, liquid to fill the pint glass, and BBQ — and continues with a celebration of what the end of prohibition has meant to Spruce Pine’s prosperity.

Another note to you aspiring runners: that full pint glass and BBQ plate at the finish? Another one of the incentives that keeps folks on the run.

Logistics: Saturday, July 11, 6 p.m., Spruce Pine. $30 ($2.50 if you sign up online). More info and to register, go here.

Sunday forecast: Race time high of 83 under clear skies.

* * *

Looking ahead: Lake Logan Multi-Sport Festival, Aug. 8-9, Lake Logan Episcopal Center, Canton. Includes the Lake Logan Half Tri (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run), international race (1500m swim, 24 mile bike, 10K run), and the Lake Logan Sprint (500m swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run). More info here.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

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