Raleigh’s mountain biking scene is getting a serious upgrade. The city has landed a $350,000 state grant to build roughly 7.3 miles of new single-track trail at Forest Ridge Park, a project slated to wrap in 2028. City planners say the expansion near Falls Lake will tighten up local trail connectivity and give riders of different skill levels more options close to home.
City Council Accepts $350,000 Great Trails Grant
The Raleigh City Council has officially accepted a $350,000 award from the Great Trails State Program to support the Forest Ridge Park Mountain Bike Trail Extension Project, according to Raleigh Parks & Recreation. The funding will go toward design and construction of the new single-track, which city staff say will add about 7.3 miles of trail. The city lists capital project manager Tom Dawson as the point person for the work.
Part of the State’s Great Trails Push
The Forest Ridge award is one slice of the broader Great Trails State Program, a North Carolina General Assembly initiative the governor’s office has used to back dozens of local trail efforts across the state. Governor Josh Stein's office previously announced nearly $11 million in grants for Piedmont-region projects, a package that includes the $350,000 earmarked for Raleigh’s Forest Ridge buildout. State officials say the program is designed to drive both economic activity and outdoor recreation by bankrolling trail construction, upkeep, and planning.
What the Expansion Will Add on the Ground
Forest Ridge currently offers about 3.25 miles of single-track. With the planned extension, the park’s total single-track mileage would climb to roughly 10.5 miles when combined with existing routes. The 587-acre park sits next to Falls Lake, and the facility details, including trail distances and amenities, are outlined on the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Forest Ridge Park page. City materials say the added mileage will create new loops and connections aimed at serving riders across a range of abilities.
Why It Matters for Local Riders
The timing is notable, as trail users and planners around the Triangle keep hunting for stable, legal riding spots while other sites face changes or uncertainty. Raleigh Magazine has reported on proposals to expand mountain bike access near RDU, and city-led programs at Forest Ridge have been pulling in fresh faces this year. Local coverage and community classes, including Forest Ridge’s mountain bike basics and trailside maintenance offerings, point to strong demand for more miles and better-supported trail systems.
Next Steps and Where to Follow Updates
Construction on the Forest Ridge extension is expected to be completed in 2028, with city staff promising more details as design and permitting move along. Raleigh’s initial announcement went up on Facebook, where early comments from riders have already started rolling in. The post is embedded above and can also be viewed directly on the Raleigh Parks Facebook page. Riders who want to keep tabs on the project are encouraged to follow the city’s Parks & Recreation channels and the park’s project page for news on schedules and any temporary trail closures.
