Itusi
Trail @ Lake Norman State ParkTrail Info
The Itusi Trail system is currently made up of 8 loops: Hawk, Norwood Creek, Hicks Creek, Wildlife, Laurel, Fallstown, Fox and Monbo. The Norwood Creek and Hicks Creek Loops can only be accessed from the Hawk Loop while the Monbo Loop is separate. Fox, Fallstown and Wildlife are accessible via the Laurel Loop or riding State Park Road to Wildlife Road. Keep in mind that all loops will be ridden in the clockwise direction in even numbered years and in the counter-clockwise direction during odd numbered years.
Loop Descriptions
- Hawk Loop
This is the original 4 mile trail loop that is directly accessible from the parking lot. This loop is bisected by an access road that can be used to head back to the parking lot. - Norwood Creek Loop
Approximately 2.5 mile loop that is accessed from the Hawk Loop via a short section of 2-way trail. Check out "turtle turn" during the summer months when the turtles use the partially submerged logs to get a tan. You can hear them plop into the water upon your arrival! - Hicks Creek Loop (AKA: The
Blob)
A one mile loop accessible from the main Hawk Loop. Look towards the lake for evidence of tree felled by the local beavers. The beavers have a dam and lodge further up Hicks Creek (not bike-accessible). - Monbo Loop
Opened in 2007 and almost doubled our trail mileage. The six mile loop can be found by heading down the short section of 2-way trail next to the trail kiosk and taking a left on State Park Road. The trail access will be on your right just over the bridge. The Monbo Loop features more sustained climbs and descents which makes it many riders' favorite section. Since it is the furthest loop from the parking lot, it is where you will often spot a family of deer. - Laurel Loop
The Laurel Loop has more technical trail features and is built to IMBA blue standards. This makes the Laurel Loop slightly more challenging for the beginner cyclist. The Laurel Loop takes its name from the beautiful Mountain Laurels that can be found along the trail. Features include several creek crossings, a "V" tree, berms and a twistier trail alignment. Total Laurel Loop mileage is 9.75 miles. - Wildlife Loop The Wildlife Loop is the largest loop on the last phase of the Itusi Trail. This Phase is located on 249 acres between Wildlife and Morrison Roads. This acreage was previously logged by Crescent Resources and later planted with pine trees. The areas adjacent to the creeks are hardwoods which results in some nice variety. Wildlife is 4.5 miles long.
- Fallstown Loop Fallstown is a nice quick 1.25 mile loop accessed via the Wildlife Loop. Fallstown also allows access to the Fox Loop.
- Fox Loop The Fox Loop is 3.5 miles and has a couple of interesting trail features. There is a nice gully run with pivot trees that you may end up leaning on! The Fox Loop will be accessible via the Fallstown Loop which is accessible via the Wildlife Loop.