Brushy Mountain

Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park, usually just called Brushy, is a private riding park in the Brushy Mountains of Alexander County, North Carolina. The park covers about 1,700 acres of heavily wooded hillside, with elevation running from roughly 1,300 to 2,500 feet. It advertises more than 100 miles of trails, described as twisting, climbing, and descending, with challenges for every skill level and a dedicated youth trail. The park's longest trail, Trail 1, is billed at 25.5 miles straight through. One thing to plan for: every trail and track in the park is one way, with markers showing the direction of travel.

Brushy is not only for dirt bikes. ATVs and side-by-sides are welcome too (side-by-sides are limited to 64 inches wide), though only part of the trail system is open to them. Dirt bike rentals are available on site through Waymaker Off-Road.

Getting there

The park is a few miles outside Taylorsville, about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte and roughly two hours from Greensboro and Asheville. The park's own listing gives the address as 2491 Lambert Fork Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681; another listing gives 567 Land Cemetery Lane. The map pin on this page is approximate, so use the park's address and call (828) 635-7766 if in doubt. Riding on the entry road is not allowed, since it is for cars and trucks only.

Fees, permits, and rules

Day passes for dirt bikes and ATVs are $30 for one day and $75 for three days. Side-by-sides are $50 for one day and $135 for three days. Kids ages 8 to 15 ride for $15, and children under 8 ride free with each paying adult. Memberships are also sold at the office. Everyone entering the park must sign the liability release, and riders under 18 need a signed minor rider waiver.

Required gear is a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, goggles, long pants, a shirt, and boots that come above the ankle. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are banned, passengers are not allowed on motorcycles or ATVs (except new two-seat ATVs), and ATV tire tread is capped at 3/4 inch. Stay on marked trails. Non-riders are limited to the parking and spectator areas.

Camping is primitive tent and RV camping, with generators allowed and limited power hookups.

When to ride

The park says it is open every day except Tuesdays, 9 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting, all year. It closes on Mother's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The park may close trail riding to members for up to five scheduled race events a year, so check before you go.