Lake Norman State Park
Distance: 30.5 mi Elevation Gain: 1700 ft Est. Time: 15-60 mins per loop; 3+ hours for all eight Difficulty: Intermediate
Upcoming at Lake Norman State Park
All events →Over 30 miles of fast, flowy singletrack in eight loops on the shore of Lake Norman. Most loops suit beginners, while Laurel and Wildlife give stronger riders more of a workout.
The Itusi trail system at Lake Norman State Park is one of the Charlotte region's best-loved trail riding areas. It offers over 30 miles of singletrack in eight loops on the north shore of Lake Norman, near Troutman, about 40 miles north of Charlotte.
Itusi is known for fast, flowy riding. Most loops have no steep climbs and few big root or rock gardens. Instead, expect rollers, whoops, gully runs and the odd root to hop. Six of the eight loops are rated beginner, but the miles do add up. Laurel and Wildlife are a step up, and Laurel is the longest loop with the most climbing.
The loops start near the Visitor Center. Hawk Loop is the original and most beginner-friendly, and Hicks Creek and Norwood loops branch off it. Monbo is the most-ridden loop. Wildlife, Fallstown and Fox share white blazes and link together for a longer ride. Every loop is one-way, and the direction switches each year, so follow the arrows at each loop entrance.
Tarheel Trailblazers volunteers built Hawk Loop in 2003, one of the first mountain bike trails in the NC State Parks system. Club volunteers have grown it into today's 30-mile network and still maintain it in partnership with the NC State Park Rangers.
The Itusi is shared with hikers and trail runners, who travel in the opposite direction to bikes. Slow down, say hello and give them room. The trails close when wet, so check the status before you head out.
Current information about the Park can be found on their official website at https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-norman-state-park
Interactive Trail Map
Details & Logistics
Visitor Center Parking Lot
759 State Park Rd, Troutman NC 28166
Parking is free: there is no day-use fee at Lake Norman State Park. Enter the park on State Park Road and follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Bathrooms and Park Rangers in the Visitor Center. The Itusi Trailhead is at this lot, and a short connector trail takes you from the lot to the loops. Be back at your car before the park closes. Vehicles left after posted hours must be registered with the park.
Get DirectionsThe Itusi Trail closes 30 minutes before the park closes. Trail hours are: • November–February: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • March–April: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. • May–August: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. • September–October: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is closed on Christmas Day.
This trail system follows NC State Parks rules for e-bikes. This states "Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on all trails where traditional bikes are allowed". Class 1 means bikes that only provide electric assistance when pedaling, don’t have a throttle and don't provide assistance over 20mph. Class 2 provide assistance whether the rider is pedaling or using a throttle, up to 20 mph Any bike that can provide electric assistance over 20mph is not allowed on trails because of the safety risk to other trail users, and the hard to repair trail damage they cause. Anything with an electric motor over 750W is not considered an e-bike, but an electric motorcycle or moped and is also not allowed on any trails.
The Itusi closes when the trails are wet to protect them and reopens when the park decides they're dry enough. Check the status at the top of this page. The park may also close trails for construction or prescribed burns - check the state park website for information.
All Itusi loops are one-way, and the direction switches every year. In odd years the loops are ridden counterclockwise. In even years they are ridden clockwise. Follow the arrows and signs at the start of each loop, and never ride against them. Hikers and trail runners also use these trails and travel in the opposite direction to bikes, so expect to meet people head-on. Slow down, say hello and give them room.
No night riding. The Itusi Trail closes 30 minutes before the park closes (see Gate Hours).
Inside the park you'll find picnic shelters, a seasonal concession stand and a campground with camper cabins, if you want to make a weekend of it. Food and gas options in Troutman and around Exit 42 on I-77. Closest bike shops are in Statesville or Cornelius.
Restrooms are in the Visitor Center at the trailhead lot.
Trail Segments
Hawk Loop
The original Itusi loop, built by Tarheel Trailblazers in 2003, and the easiest place to start. It begins near the Visitor Center, crosses the Hicks Creek ravine and runs through open hardwood forest along the lake. Expect a few roots and rougher patches. Hicks Creek Loop and Norwood Loop branch off it.
Hicks Creek Loop
A short add-on from Hawk Loop. A steady, not-too-steep climb on the first half pays off with a flowy descent and a few tight turns.
Norwood Loop
Another add-on from Hawk Loop, reached by a short two-way section. Generally smoother and flowier than Hawk, though riders with some exposed roots.
Monbo Loop
The most-ridden loop in the park. Sweet flow with beginner-level 'whoops' and small root features, and only one climb of note, which is short.
Fallstown Loop
A short white-blazed loop that adds a little extra distance and fun when riding Wildlife and Fox.
Fox Loop
Short, fun and one of the highest-rated loops at Itusi, with a great gully run. White-blazed and easy to add to Wildlife and Fallstown.
Laurel Loop
The longest loop, with the most climbing, and widely seen as the toughest ride at Itusi. Expect gully runs, a spring crossing and the occasional view of the lake. Bring water: once you're in, you're in for a while.
Wildlife Loop
A rolling loop with some great flowy sections. It shares white blazes with Fallstown and Fox, so it's easy to link all three for a longer ride.
First Timer Tips
- New to mountain biking? Start with Hawk Loop from the Visitor Center. It's the original Itusi loop and the most beginner-friendly. Add Hicks Creek or Norwood when you're ready for more.
- Ride the posted direction. Every loop is one-way, and the direction changes each year. Check the arrows at the start of each loop.
- Expect hikers coming toward you. Hikers and runners travel the opposite way to bikes. Slow down, say hello and let them pass.
- Plan your time. The loops are longer than they look, and Laurel is the longest. Bring water and a snack, and be off the trail 30 minutes before the park closes.
- Check the status first. The trails close when wet. Please respect closures; riding wet trails damages them.
- Spot a fallen tree? LNSP is a BIG park, so use the Trailbot app to help park rangers and volunteers know exactly where any trail problem is so they can clear it.
Media
Photos
Documents
Itusi Trail Map
Official trail map from the State Park as of 2025
lake-norman-state-park-itusi-trail-map-2025.pdf • 517 KB