Keeping with the spirit of NASCAR's famous Lowes Motor Speedway just three miles to the north, The Harrisburg Half is a "dirt criterium" track used for the Charlotte Short Track Series Circuit...but it's a great half-mile loop for users of all skill levels to turn and burn and get a sprint workout anytime. The best part of this trail is the fast hardpack gravel/rip-rap trail surface with some large, well-constructed, downhill berms.
The trail can be divided into 4 sections (for the purpose of referring to its parts). Section one begins at the top of the hill, includes 4 berms on a quick downhill switchback and exits on to the park service road.
From there you ride up the service road about 50+ feet to the beginning of section 2, which heads off into the woods down to the left includes a benched downhill trail with 2 berms and a culvert crossing. This section exits into singletrack crossing a small grassy field.
Travel straight into the field 100-150 ft and enter section 3 into the woods to the right. This begins the second half of the trail and is all uphill until you begin your next lap. Section 3 crosses the park walking trail. You travel straight ahead into section 4. Section 4 is a climb up the park walking trail. Stay right and follow the park walking trail up past the shelter. As the walking trail bears around to the left at the top of the hill you will see the trailhead bulletin board and the beginning of the trail. Approximate total ascent is 65ft per half-mile lap.
From Charlotte: University City Blvd (HWY 49) North to Harrisburg (Exit 42 from I-85 North; Exit 33 from I-485). In Harrisburg at the intersection of Rt. 49 and Morehead (to the left) and Sims Blvd. (to the right) turn RIGHT onto Sims Blvd - Landmarks: "AutoZone" store before the right turn onto Sims Blvd. <br />Take Sims Blvd. two blocks and turn left into the Harrisburg Town Park. Follow the park road, staying left, to its end at the parking lot in front of the picnic shelter.<br />Facing the picnic shelter the trailhead is to your left, Just beyond the volleyball pit. There is a new weather proof sign up the hill. The trail begins right behind the sign. See photos below to assist with landmarks.<br />
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