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West Wimba Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Morganton
  5. Lake James State Park
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“An easy/intermediate flow loop. ”

Paul Stahlschmidt
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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.6

KM
Singletrack

1,392' 424 m

High

1,233' 376 m

Low

299' 91 m

Up

298' 91 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

These trails are closed by the park staff when impacted by wet weather or freeze-thaw. If the weather in the area of the park is questionable (i.e. it has rained within 24 hours of your trip), be sure to check the trail status at the top of the Lake James State Park website before you go.

Description

West Wimba is a step up from the Tindo Loops with more elevation changes, more flow, and more speed. There are not many technical challenges at all, but plenty of grade reversals and pumpy sections. Although it intersects and crosses dirt roads in places, there are no marked bailout points on the trail. The option of taking the East Wimba Loop comes around about half-way through this loop. Be sure scout out the layout of the trail at the trailhead or take the MTB Project App.

From the trailhead take the unmarked Entrance Connector Trail past the Tindo Loops Connector. You'll see the exit of the West Wimba loop on the right; stay left/straight and follow the loop in a clockwise direction.

Along the way you'll encounter a few bridge crossings and a great view of the lake on the second half of the loop.

Note: "Wimba" is Catawba for Owl.

Contacts

Local Club: Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance

Land Manager: North Carolina State Parks

Shared By:

Paul Stahlschmidt with improvements by Danny Moore
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 25 votes

#1

in Lake James State Park

#669

Overall
  4.4 from 25 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Lake James State Park

#37

in North Carolina

#669

Overall
25 Views Last Month
2,744 Since Jul 3, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
14%
86%
0%
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0%
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Photos

Quick break next to a fern lined creek at Lake James.
Jul 28, 2016 near Glen Al…, NC
Fern beds on West Wimba
May 20, 2019 near Glen Al…, NC
Taking a quick breather
Jul 21, 2018 near Glen Al…, NC
Log bridge off of the main trail.
Jul 23, 2021 near Glen Al…, NC
Trailside lake views abound on the West Wimba Loop.
Mar 18, 2017 near Glen Al…, NC
Fresh Dirt
Jun 8, 2014 near Glen Al…, NC

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 18 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 19, 2023
Scott Scott
10.8mi — 1h 23m
Dec 21, 2022
Ben Coles
First time riding a trail in this system and I loved it! Great flow with enough elevation change to get the heart pumping! No jumps or obstacles to… 5.4mi — 0h 50m
Apr 24, 2022
Brandon P
Jul 22, 2021
Brandon P
Jul 4, 2021
Brandon P
6mi
Sep 6, 2020
Gretchen Parlier
Jul 30, 2020
Brody Milotte
Great trail! My favorite in the area it is extremely well maintained! 6mi — 0h 58m
Feb 3, 2020
Betsy Abare
Very fun

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