Panda Trail loop from Hawk Island
Panda Trail loop from Hawk Island
4.8
(8736)
19,777
riders
Panda Trail loop from Hawk Island
02:06
26.0km
230m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 25.2 km for 306 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
17.9 km
Panda Trail
Highlight • Trail
24.2 km
Historic Tuckasegee Ford Regional Park
Highlight • Historical Site
25.3 km
View of the bridge drop in the competition channel
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
25.4 km
US Whitewater Center Climbing Area
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
25.4 km
The US National Whitewater Center (Dickson Center Building)
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
26.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
24.2 km
1.03 km
311 m
299 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.4 km
6.27 km
6.10 km
744 m
302 m
124 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 26 June
31°C
19°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a solid mountain biking challenge near Charlotte, the Panda Trail loop from Hawk Island delivers. This moderate 16.1-mile (26.0 km) route packs in 762 feet (232 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete. It's a great option for riders with good fitness and advanced skills who want a rewarding ride with unique scenery.
What to expect on Panda Trail loop from Hawk Island
What makes this route stand out is its unique setting within the U.S. National Whitewater Center. You'll navigate a mix of natural singletrack and unpaved sections, with some paved and gravel paths mixed in. Keep an eye out for views of the competition channel, where you can watch kayakers and rafters from vantage points like the footbridge or Adirondack chairs. This trail is rated STS S2, meaning it requires advanced riding skills, so it's best suited for experienced mountain bikers ready for a dynamic ride.
Planning your visit
The Panda Trail loop is located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which offers ample parking for visitors. No specific permits are mentioned for mountain biking, but it's always a good idea to check the USNWC website for any facility-specific access requirements or operating hours. After your ride, the nearby Pump House Biergarten is a convenient spot for refreshments.
Trail details
- Distance: 16.1 miles (26.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 762 feet (232 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
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