286 Main Loop

This trail does not exist. Please do not talk about fake trails on this site.

Its fun. Rough as balls. Few sick jumps. Dope.

The people who own this property (RDU) are trying to eliminate riding there! So be careful they have placed barriers and torn down most of bridges. So I would not go out there at night anymore unless you familiarize yourself with the new layout! I suppose we could be pissed about the owners doing this, but it is their property. I just dread when the day comes they actually manage to shut our MTB ridding down there completely!

I always enjoy this trail. I recommend ridding with someone who knows the trail if you do not. Decently technical for this area.

Great fun! I would have given this trail a five star rating, but there are no directions on the trails, so your 30 min ride could be a 2 hour ride. Overall these are great trails.

Beginners should consider Crabtree trails.
286 offers climbs, flows, gap jumps, and distance, this trail is the best in the area.
There are several distance options available: 7.5, 9.5, 14, and 18 Miles. If new to the trail, it would be best to make new friends at the trailhead and ask to tag along. The trails might as well be a bowl of spaghetti and it's very easy to get lost.
Trail is perfect for Night Rides from fall to spring.
Where does the name 286 come from? It's a fictitious exit off of 40 for Old Reedy Creek Rd. If ORC had an exit, it would be exit 286.

In my opinion this has to be the best trail around Raleigh. It's tough enough to give you a workout and at the same time gives you that out of the city-Madden feeling. By the time you find yourself smack in the middle the nature interaction is amazing. Piece of advice try Lake Crabtree before attempting otherwise enjoy the ride

The trail is okay, it averages out between really bad sections of roots, rock gardens and washout with really awesome sections of woods, flowy turns and decent maintenance. Since the trail really isn't owned (that I am aware of) It seems everyone has added their own short cuts, ride arounds and even trails. It's sloppy, confusing and occasionally frustrating to navigate. On the other hand the trail isn't entirely bad, i've ridden it about three times, its technically challenging enough while keeping many sections of easy terrain. I would be careful if you find a fast flowy section because you'll probably fly into some super bad root sections, uphill and down hill, that can be almost a foot deep. Hardtails beware, but do able. Just slow it down till you learn how it works.