Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park
4330 Weddington Road, Matthews, NC 28105
Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park Website
About
This expansive park is great for families, and as an extension, the trail system offers mountain biking largely geared toward Beginner and Intermediate riders looking to carry some speed. The trails offer a mix of smooth singletrack punctuated by rooty sections and signature "dips" that keep things interesting. There are several features peppered throughout the trails such as drops, jumps, skinnies, rock gardens, and rollers to challenge more advanced trail riders.
The Tarheel Trailblazers often have trail maintenance days here and overall the trails and features are kept in great condition.
Trails
Before You Ride
The below are a selection of our favorite trails. More trails are likely available and can be found on the trail map.
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The Colonel Pump Track
The Beginner line is a series of rolling trails with small berms offering a great introduction to pump tracks and beginner mountain bike skills. The Advanced line introduces slightly bigger berms and small tabletop jumps. The Expert line features tabletop jumps, a wall ride, and a sequence (only one shown) of steep wooden kickers, ending with a plank jump. Additionally, there is a rock garden and a skinny with a couple options to introduce riders to different types of advanced trail features.
Main Loop Trail
Serving as the primary artery of the park, this multi-use singletrack circles the lake and cuts through dense trees. The fast, flowy route is highly accessible for beginners but keeps intermediate riders engaged with a variety of small dirt kickers, rooty patches, and minor drop-offs.
Beatty's Black
This technical, advanced section branches off of the main loop. This trails winds you through tight trees and heavy roots, featuring elevated skinnies, natural drops, a four-foot wooden ledge drop, and a wooden kicker.