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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +261/ -324 ft
Total: 299 riders
Mountain Biking Owls Roost (Bur-Mil Park)
#43 of 549 mountain bike trails in North Carolina
Owls Roost has the best combination of technicality and brisk singletrack in Greensboro. The trail starts at the Bur-Mill Park parking lot. The first 1.5 miles is fast and smooth downhill until the trail comes to a T with a wide dirt trail. Take a right and follow the trail to the sign that points "Owls Roost" on the left. (If you go straight past the sign, you can add a bonus lap by riding past the fishpond and back into the woods for a good climb followed by more fast singletrack.) There are quite a few rooty uphills on this trail and some strategically placed logs that make Owls Roost moderately technical. But the speed of the trail makes for a great ride. About halfway through the trail there is a ten-foot gully. The drop down looks a bit rooty and dangerous, but don't fret, potential energy is on your side. You'll really have to crank it through the down and especially on the up to ride through the root at the top. Believe me, it's no fun going down the gully backwards!) The rest of the ride will take you by the edge of Lake Brandt and into pine tree filled woods. The trail ends at the greenway that connects Country Park on the left with Owls Roost Road to the right.
First added by searsandrewj on Jan 1, 2003. Last updated Apr 30, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
"From I-85 take 220 North (Battleground Ave). After 10 miles on Battleground, turn right on Owls Roost Road. Look for parking lot on left at Bur-Mill park. If you're feeling saucy after a ride a Country Park, ride on Old Battleground and turn right on Lake Brandt Rd. Take the first paved path on the left of the road through an apartment complex. The path will end, take a left onto the street and the paved path will continue on the right. Take this greenway all the way to the end (crossing over Lake Brandt) where it intersects Owl's Roost Road. Take a left and look for the gravel parking lot on the right.
System trails (1)
Not quite as fun as Wild Turkey but still a great little trail. I like the lake views on this one. Nothing super technical, but a fun ride.
| ThankForgot how much I liked Owls Roost! The most challenging of the Lake Brandt Trails, but totally worth the challenge...
| ThankLong climb, but a very rewards descent at the end.
| ThankOut of all the trails around the lakes in Greensboro, Owl's Roost may be the most technical and challenging. An Intermediate trail that is a lot of fun, it would most closely compare to Wild Turkey
| ThankMy favorite trail in Greensboro. Some short punchy climbs and fun downhills. A few technical challenges. (depending on which way you go) Lots of variety. Up, down, views of the lake, lots of deer. In 2017 they did some work on a few of the most eroded places that have made the trail more enjoyable to me. Still a good number of roots, just right for my taste.
| ThankOwls Roost or Owls Roots (local name) is a great trail. The addition of shady side makes it even better. Deceptive short climbs and great views await you on this trail. Good for beginners and intermediates like myself.
| ThankNot an overly technical trail. I rode this for the ses. Flow was better than anglers, a couple of short steep climbs... just know how to clear some totty sections.
| ThankDecided to try Owls Roost/Wild Turkey as a change of pace from the Triangle area trails. I rode Owls Roost then Wild Turkey to the marina and back for approximately 17 miles. The trails were less technical then I had hoped but more fun than expected. Realistically I would classify Owls Roost slightly below intermediate. It is rooty, hard packed, flowy and very pumpable.
| ThankOwls Roots is a little gem of a trail that has good climbs and flat out speed sections. Primarily a riding trail but you will occasionally come across a runner or hiker. Beautiful vistas over the lake. I like to start with this trail, kick over to Wild Turkey and back.
| ThankGreat trail. Some obstacles include big logs and some almost vertical climbs on roots. We nickname it "owls roots". Very fun and a great trail to track progress.
| ThankThis is a great trail with a beautiful view of the lake. Traveled to Greensboro from PA for training and 5 or 6 people told me about this trail. Good amount of speed verses technical elements. Decent amount of roots which added a challenging aspect to the ride. Anyone that complains about those roots though would hate riding in most of the parks in PA. It was the perfect amount. All the riders that I crossed were all super friendly and had good manners. I loved this trail great all the way around.
| ThankLoved it, very beautiful backdrop against the lake. Im an intermediate rider on a good day and the technical level was perfect for my skill set. I realize theres a hardcore group of bikers on this site who write reviews for the other hardcore bikers so this is for you mighty weekend warrior. Bit hard to find the trail entrance but theres always someone on the greenway to point you in the right direction. FYI if its rained within 48 hours they close the trail to keep it from getting damaged.
| ThankI rode Owl's Roost for the first time earlier this month and really enjoyed it. The first part is nice smooth trail that you can carry some speed on. The second part gets technical and then your into the pine trees. I didn't get a chance to take some of the alternate loops but will be going back for sure! As to the roots ... try Reedy (Rooty) Fork.
| ThankI always come back to Owl's Roost. It has a little of everything, plus the Greenway and Big or Small Loop to warm up on. The reviews are right, there are a lot of roots, but nowhere close to the washed-out root nightmare on Bald Eagle. Still one of my favs. Always get a good workout.
| ThankThey should rename this place OWLS ROOTS because it is full of them un believable amount of roots. Also very heavily used trail and since its out and back you better keep your head up or you'll get run over by some of the speed demons on the trail. Great views of the lake though I will be back but not one of my favorites.
| ThankRode trail in January to testout new mtn bike. Full suspension came in handy with all the roots but overall a great trail to ride. Good combination of uphills and descents.
| ThankI'm new to mountain biking and have ridden this trail several times. I think it's a great trail for advanced beginner to intermediate riders. There are some challenges, but it seems to be less difficult than other intermediate rides. Climbs aren't too long and some good fast sections. Take my teenage boys here often. They love it.
* Review edited 7/6/2012
| ThankA lot of roots make this trail a little more difficult than it would be. Not to much climbing but with all the roots you can struggle to keep momentum in some sections. This is all broken up though by some nice fast flowy sections. A nice down and back that may grow on me the more times I ride it.
| ThankNice balance of flow and technical stuff with a few good elevation changes going both ways. Almost a PNW-like woods atmosphere right now. Lake provides some nice scenery when you have time to look up. MTB-only.
| ThankLotttttts of roots but fun the faster u go the less bumpy good work out rode both directions almost 9 miles that way
| Thank