4.5
(11)
249
riders
7
rides
If you've ever tried planning a mountain biking trip around Hillsborough, you know how quickly the options can pile up. With so many trails to choose from, it's tough to know which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, and we've curated this guide to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the trails that deliver.
Mountain biking around Hillsborough, NC, is…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
5.0
(7)
115
riders
17.9km
01:30
110m
110m
The Springhouse and Buckeye Loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the scenic hardwood forests of Brumley Nature Preserve. This 11.1-mile (17.9 km) route, with its smooth singletrack and…
5.0
(1)
63
riders
The Brumley Forest Pond – Brumley Forest loop offers a delightful 6.9-mile (11.1 km) mountain biking experience through the varied landscapes of Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. This easy route, with…

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5.0
(3)
74
riders
17.4km
01:13
140m
140m
The Brumley Forest Pond loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve, despite its name suggesting a start from Johnston Mill Nature…
43
riders
10.0km
00:52
70m
70m
The Brumley Forest Pond loop offers a highly enjoyable mountain biking experience through mature hardwood forests and alongside streams. You'll find a mix of smooth, flowy singletrack and speedy sections,…
12
riders
The Brumley Forest Pond – Brumley Forest loop from Brumley Forest Nature Preserve offers a fantastic, easy mountain biking experience, covering 4.5 miles (7.3 km) with only 169 feet (52…
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Brumley Forest Pond is a small reservoir within the Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. There is a singletrack trail that hugs the shores of the pond, which connects to the many miles of other trails on the property.
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The George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve, also known as the Brumley Nature Preserve, is a 673-acre nature preserve with mixtures of mature and young hardwoods and pines. The park is also home to ponds and streams alongside the ruins of what was once planned as a town off New Hope Road.
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There are not many open areas in Brumley Forest, but this pond is one of them. If you don't mind a little detour, you can even enjoy your break on the pier. Be aware that you must dismount your bike for the few hundred feet connecting the MTB trail with the pond.
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This section is representative of the other trails you will encounter throughout Brumley Forest. Expect fun switchbacks, single tracks, and a few climbs and great descents.
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There are 9 mountain bike trails around Hillsborough listed on komoot. The majority of these routes are rated as easy, making the area accessible for various skill levels.
Yes, Hillsborough offers several easy-difficulty mountain bike trails. For instance, the Springhouse and Buckeye Loop is an 17.9 km easy route with gentle climbs. Another good option is the Brumley Forest Pond loop from Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, which is a shorter 9.3 km easy trail.
The mountain bike trails around Hillsborough vary in length. You can find shorter routes like the Brumley Forest Pond loop from Brumley Forest Nature Preserve at 9.3 km, or longer options such as the Brumley Forest Pond – Brumley Nature Preserve loop from Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, which extends to 27.2 km.
The mountain bike trails around Hillsborough are predominantly easy to moderate. Out of 9 routes, 8 are rated easy and 1 is moderate. There are currently no trails explicitly rated as difficult or advanced in the immediate area according to komoot data.
The trails around Hillsborough traverse natural preserves and forested areas, such as Brumley Forest and Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. You can expect varied terrain with gentle elevation changes, winding through wooded sections and offering views of features like Brumley Forest Pond.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Hillsborough are designed as loops. Examples include the Springhouse and Buckeye Loop and the Brumley Forest – Brumley Forest Pond loop from Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, both offering circular paths through the natural landscape.
While riding the mountain bike trails, you can explore natural features like the Brumley Forest Pond and sections of the Eno River. Some routes also pass by viewpoints such as the Overlook of the Abandoned Quarry.
The mountain bike trails in Hillsborough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the calm environment of the natural preserves, the well-maintained forested paths, and the suitability of the routes for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Mountain biking in Hillsborough during winter is generally possible, as the region does not typically experience heavy snowfall that would make trails impassable. However, trail conditions can vary with rain and freezing temperatures, potentially leading to muddy or icy sections. Always check local weather and trail reports before heading out.
Given that 8 out of 9 trails are rated as easy and feature gentle elevation changes, many of Hillsborough's mountain bike routes are suitable for families. The natural preserve settings offer a safe and enjoyable environment for riders of all ages. The Brumley Forest Pond – Brumley Nature Preserve loop from Duke Forest Edeburn Division, at 16 km, is an easy option that families might enjoy.
The mountain bike trails in Hillsborough pass through natural preserves and forested areas like Brumley Forest and Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. These environments are home to various local wildlife, offering opportunities for observation, especially during quieter times of day. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other small animals.
While the trails themselves are primarily within natural preserves, the town of Hillsborough is nearby and offers various cafes and dining options. It's advisable to plan your route to start or end near the town if you wish to combine your ride with a visit to a cafe.


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