Owl's Roost Trail - A bird sitting on top of a tree branch
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Owl's Roost Trail

4.7
·30 reviews·Greensboro, United States

Scenic single-track trail around Lake Brandt, perfect for trail running and mountain biking with beautiful nature views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Owl's Roost Trail - A bird sitting on top of a tree branch

Owl's Roost Trail

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic single-track trail around Lake Brandt, perfect for trail running and mountain biking with beautiful nature views.

4.7
(30 reviews)

"A beautiful area to get out and run, walk or bike to enjoy nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

Park Smartly

Park at Bur-Mill Park for best access to Owl's Roost & A&Y trails. :car:

Trail Shoes Recommended

Wear sturdy shoes for roots & mud. Not ideal for casual strollers or novice skaters. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Brandt Views

Lake Brandt Views

Along the trail

Enjoy picturesque views of serene Lake Brandt waters, with a dedicated observation platform offering clear vistas.

Single-Track Adventure

Single-Track Adventure

Throughout the trail system

Experience a true mountain biking and hiking adventure on well-maintained single-track paths winding through the woods.

Extensive Trail Network

Extensive Trail Network

Bur-Mill Park

Explore miles of trails around the lake for walking, running, and biking, with additional branching paths for more adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Trail Access

While Owl's Roost Trail is a fantastic single-track mountain biking and hiking path, many visitors note the map marker can be misleading. For the best access to Owl's Roost and the A&Y trails, park at Bur-Mill Park. Ample parking is also available along the A&Y Greenway.

Trail Conditions & Difficulty

Owl's Roost Trail is a single-track mountain bike trail, not a paved greenway. Expect roots and muddy sections, especially after rain. While great for running and biking, it can be challenging for novice roller skaters due to its uneven terrain.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La ruta Owl's Roost Trail es un pintoresco sendero junto a las serenas aguas del lago Brandt. Este sendero bien cuidado se adentra en el bosque, donde los excursionistas pueden encontrar muchas raíces y zonas embarradas. Hay varias pasarelas a lo largo del sendero y una plataforma de observación con vistas despejadas del lago Brandt.
alltrails_drone
4 likes • 51 views

Park Smartly

Park at Bur-Mill Park for best access to Owl's Roost & A&Y trails. :car:

Trail Shoes Recommended

Wear sturdy shoes for roots & mud. Not ideal for casual strollers or novice skaters. :athletic_shoe:

Owls Roost 4 mile | Crazy K’s 2k First trail run with Trivium and she placed 3rd in her age group (19U)! Cora also got to run with Katie & Jeff Page! After a lunch break, it off to the Crazy K’s end-of-season 2k race! Cora was very tired, but finished strong! She amazes me! #owlsroost #trailrunning #podiumperformance #triviumracing #crazyrunning #crazykids #runlikeagirl
kris10z
21 likes • 361 views
Got in a scenic hike on Owl’s Roost Trail before the Greensboro @deafnation Expo! Beautiful views and peaceful vibes. See you all at DeafNation Expo this Saturday, April 5th! #Joeltravel #NoBarriers #DeafNation #DeafNationExpo #Greensboro #NorthCarolina #DeafBusiness
joelwestbarish
835 likes • 15.7K views

Check Trail Conditions

Can get muddy after rain. Check local reports before heading out. :umbrella:

Explore Beyond

Branch off the main path for more adventurous hiking and biking routes. :hiking_boot:

Day 185 23 days out. Feeling extremely confident about The Owls Roost Rumble half marathon trail race and running a sub 2 hour. Can’t get here fast enough. #run#running#motivation#fyp#explore#explorepage
dav1d_null
5 likes • 115 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Park Smartly

Park at Bur-Mill Park for best access to Owl's Roost & A&Y trails. :car:

Trail Shoes Recommended

Wear sturdy shoes for roots & mud. Not ideal for casual strollers or novice skaters. :athletic_shoe:

Check Trail Conditions

Can get muddy after rain. Check local reports before heading out. :umbrella:

Explore Beyond

Branch off the main path for more adventurous hiking and biking routes. :hiking_boot:

Drone Views

Beautiful drone footage captures the lake's serenity and trail's winding path. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(30 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Owl's Roost Trail for its beautiful lake views and challenging single-track paths, making it ideal for trail running and mountain biking. While the trail itself is well-maintained and scenic, some users note that the map marker can be misleading, and the terrain can be challenging for casual walkers or skaters.

"This trail is great and all the trails nearby are too. Apparently the map marker is misplaced and the trails are getting some poor reviews due to that. There are lots of parking along the A&Y, and Bur-Mill is the spot to park for the A&Y or Owls Roost. Owls Roost is not a greenway, but a single track mountain bike trail. It has some difficult sections."

Pat Hart

"Beautiful area to get out and run, walk or bike to enjoy nature."

Jane Ford

"Well kept trails! Greensboro should be proud they operate these. Trails around the whole lake, about an 8.5 miles worth (walking) and miles more for mountain biking. Makes for a great day trek!"

Justin Maslack

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Challenging single-track
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Misleading map marker
Uneven terrain for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended parking spot for Owl's Roost Trail is Bur-Mill Park in Greensboro, NC. This location provides excellent access not only to Owl's Roost but also to the adjacent A&Y Greenway trails. Many users mention that the map marker for the trail can be misplaced, so heading to Bur-Mill Park is key for a smooth start to your adventure. There's also ample parking available along the A&Y Greenway itself if Bur-Mill is full. Reddit

Information regarding direct public transport access to the trailhead is limited. It's advisable to check local Greensboro transit routes for buses that may stop near Bur-Mill Park or along the A&Y Greenway, and then plan for a short walk or bike ride to the trail entrance. Reddit

While online maps might be slightly off, the consensus is to head to Bur-Mill Park. The trails are well-marked once you are in the park system. Look for signs directing you towards the single-track mountain bike trails or the lake loop. Reddit

Owl's Roost Trail is primarily accessed through Bur-Mill Park. However, as it connects to a larger network of trails, including the A&Y Greenway, there might be other points of entry if you are coming from a different direction, though Bur-Mill is the most common starting point. Reddit

The main Owl's Roost Trail is a single-track path, which is generally well-defined for mountain biking and hiking. However, it's not a paved path, so staying aware of your surroundings and following trail markers is important. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Owl's Roost Trail is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the trails within Bur-Mill Park is free for all visitors. Reddit

Bur-Mill Park, where Owl's Roost Trail is located, is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Greensboro Parks and Recreation website for any specific seasonal hours or temporary closures. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to access Bur-Mill Park or the Owl's Roost Trail. Enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities is free of charge. Reddit

Reservations are not necessary for individual hikers or bikers on Owl's Roost Trail. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

No special permits are required for general hiking or mountain biking on Owl's Roost Trail. It's open for public use. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Owl's Roost Trail is a single-track mountain bike trail, meaning it's an unpaved, narrow path. Expect to encounter roots, rocks, and potentially muddy sections, especially after rain. It's described as having some difficult sections and is not a paved greenway. InstagramReddit

Yes, Owl's Roost Trail is a popular spot for trail running. Runners appreciate the scenic nature and the challenge of the single-track terrain. Some even train for races on this trail. Instagram+1

While not explicitly stated in all sources, dogs are generally permitted in Greensboro parks on a leash. Always check local park regulations for the most current information regarding pets on trails. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at Bur-Mill Park. It's recommended to confirm their availability and location upon arrival at the park. Reddit

As a trail through a wooded area near a lake, you might encounter common local wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and possibly deer. Enjoy observing nature responsibly. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most striking photo opportunities on Owl's Roost Trail are the scenic views of Lake Brandt, especially from the observation platform. The winding single-track path through the woods also makes for dynamic shots, particularly for action photography like trail running or biking. Instagram

Yes, drone footage of Owl's Roost Trail has been shared, highlighting the picturesque scenery along Lake Brandt and the forest. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. The golden hours can enhance the natural beauty of the lake and forest. Instagram

Absolutely! The trail's dynamic nature makes it a great spot for capturing action shots of runners and bikers. Remember to be respectful of their activity and personal space. Instagram+1

The observation platform overlooking Lake Brandt is a key landmark for photos. Additionally, any of the wooden boardwalks or bridges along the trail can offer interesting photographic elements. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Owl's Roost Trail can be a fun outing for families, but with a few considerations. While the main trail is great for walking and exploring nature, its single-track, root-filled nature might be challenging for very young children or strollers. Consider sticking to the more open areas near Bur-Mill Park or the paved sections of the A&Y Greenway if you have very young children. Older kids who enjoy a bit of adventure might find the trail exciting for walking or even biking with supervision. Reddit

Key recommendations for families: Stick to the main loop for easier walking, bring snacks and water, and be aware of the trail's uneven terrain. The observation platform offers a nice spot for a family break with a view of Lake Brandt. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water and on more challenging sections of the trail. Instagram

🏃 Trail Runners & Cyclists

For dedicated trail runners and mountain bikers, Owl's Roost Trail is a must-visit. The ~8.5-mile loop around Lake Brandt provides a solid distance for training, and the single-track terrain offers a good challenge. Many users train for races here and appreciate the natural beauty as a backdrop to their workouts. Instagram+1

Tips for runners and cyclists: Wear appropriate footwear with good traction. Be prepared for roots, rocks, and potential mud. Stay aware of other users and practice trail etiquette. Consider exploring the connected A&Y Greenway for longer rides or runs. Reddit

🚶 Casual Walkers & Nature Lovers

Owl's Roost Trail offers a beautiful natural escape for casual walkers. While the single-track can be a bit uneven, many find it enjoyable for a peaceful stroll and to immerse themselves in nature. The views of Lake Brandt are a significant draw, providing a serene environment. InstagramReddit

For a relaxed experience: Stick to the more open sections of the trail or combine your walk with the paved A&Y Greenway. Take advantage of the observation platform for scenic breaks. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors without intense physical exertion, though sturdy shoes are still recommended. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Trail Running at Owl's Roost

Owl's Roost Trail is a gem for trail runners looking for a challenging and scenic experience. The single-track nature of the trail means you'll be navigating roots, rocks, and uneven terrain, which is excellent for building strength and agility. Many runners use this trail to train for races, with some even participating in events held on or near the trail. The approximately 8.5-mile loop around the lake offers a substantial distance for endurance training, with additional miles available for mountain biking that can also be incorporated into longer runs. Instagram+1

Runners often praise the beautiful views of Lake Brandt, which provide a refreshing backdrop to their workouts. The well-maintained paths, despite their challenging nature, are a significant draw. It's important for runners to wear appropriate footwear with good grip to handle the varied surfaces and to be mindful of other trail users, such as mountain bikers. Staying hydrated and checking weather conditions, as the trail can become muddy, is also crucial for a safe and enjoyable run. Reddit

Mountain Biking the Single-Track

For mountain bikers, Owl's Roost Trail offers a rewarding single-track experience. The trail system is designed for biking, with winding paths that weave through wooded areas and offer moderate technical challenges. Riders can expect a mix of climbs, descents, and flowy sections, making for an engaging ride. The connection to other trails in the Bur-Mill Park area means you can string together longer rides, exploring various terrains and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape. Reddit

While the trail is well-regarded, it's noted that some sections can be difficult, particularly for less experienced riders. The presence of roots and occasional muddy patches adds to the challenge and requires good bike handling skills. It's recommended that bikers be aware of their surroundings, yield to hikers when necessary, and maintain a safe speed. The scenic lake views provide a pleasant break and a beautiful setting for this active pursuit. InstagramReddit

Navigating Parking and Access

A common point of discussion among visitors to Owl's Roost Trail revolves around parking and accurate trailhead location. Many reviews highlight that the online map markers can be misleading, leading to confusion. The most consistently recommended solution is to park at Bur-Mill Park. This park serves as a central hub for accessing both the Owl's Roost Trail and the A&Y Greenway, offering ample parking and clear signage once you are within the park grounds. Reddit

If Bur-Mill Park is full, or if you are approaching from a different direction, parking is also available along the A&Y Greenway. This provides an alternative entry point into the trail network. It's important to note that Owl's Roost is a single-track trail, not a paved greenway, so the parking areas are geared towards accessing these more rugged paths. Planning your arrival, especially on weekends, can help ensure you find a convenient parking spot. Reddit

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