All American Trail: An Easy Ride in Ft. Bragg with a Mix of Terrains

Overview

The All American Trail offers an 8-mile point-to-point route, perfect for cyclists looking for a moderate workout without the complexity of advanced trails. Traversing the perimeter of Fort Bragg in North Carolina's Sandhills Region, the trail boasts a variety of terrains — from almost flat to moderately hilly. Located in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, the trail is easy to access and great for both novices and intermediate riders.

Getting There

• Starting Point: From Fayetteville, take US-401 toward Raeford. Continue for 8.9 miles past the Hoke County line and turn right onto Vass Rd. Follow for 3.3 miles. Parking and trailhead are on the right just before the gate.

Trail Experience

The regular portion of the trail offers a straightforward ride, featuring a series of gradual hills interspersed with flat sections. While not a single-track mountain biking trail, it does offer a few challenges:

• Sand patches appear about every half-mile, slowing down the pace and providing a cardio workout.
• Non-technical but long, perfect for endurance training.
• Noteworthy ongoing construction of a 1,000-foot boardwalk crossing Rockfish Creek and its wetlands.

Rider Reviews and Tips

Many riders comment on the trail's accessibility and suitability for beginners. It's not technically demanding but does offer some level of challenge, particularly in sandy areas and a few steep hills. Recommendations include:

• Bring a friend, particularly for spider-clearing duties in the sandy patches.
• Keep an eye out for half-mile markers to ensure you're on track.
• For those with heavy bikes, consider sticking to the flatter front section of the trail.
• Note that the trail is closed for hunting season from September 29 to January 2.

What the Future Holds

Current plans indicate that the All American Trail will eventually circle the entire boundary of Fort Bragg, extending approximately 70 miles through Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, and Harnett counties. Given that it is not regularly maintained, except for yearly controlled burns, the trail will likely continue to offer a "wild" biking experience.

Final Thoughts

The All American Trail is a fantastic local gem, especially for those living nearby. It's not a trail for those seeking technical challenges, but if you're interested in a straightforward ride that allows you to build up endurance and offers a bit of variety in the terrain, it's well worth a visit. As always, respect the trail rules, particularly the closure during hunting season, to ensure it remains a resource for all to enjoy.