Mountain bikers itching to take on trails in national parks, open to hikers but off-limits to bicyclists, will welcome a regulation being drafted by the National Park Service.

The proposal would give park superintendents leeway in opening trails to bicyclists. But bikers shouldn't expect to be rock-hopping among the rhododendron on the Blue Ridge Parkway or in Great Smoky Mountains National Park anytime soon.

Under federal regulations, national park trails are closed to bicycles unless specifically designated after reviews and public comments. The draft would streamline the process so superintendents could more quickly designate non-controversial trails for bikes.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association in Boulder, Colo., is pushing to make trails available to bikers. “Mountain bicycling on appropriate trails in national parks will also enhance visitors' appreciation of the natural world, as parks are better experienced on foot and by bicycle than from inside cars and RVs,” the group said an Oct. 15 news release.

Bicyclists can cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway but can't ride any of the park's 350 miles of trails in North Carolina and Virginia, according to community planner Dawn Godwin. She said, however, parkway officials are looking into designating a mountain bike trail or trails at Julian Price Memorial Park near Blowing Rock.

The Smokies park, with 900 miles of trails, allows cyclists on four trails totaling 8.8 miles. Spokeswoman Nancy Gray said in addition bicyclists can ride roads open to cars.

The park service proposal is still in the draft stage and won't be published officially until late this month or early December, said Phil Selleck, chief of regulations for the park service in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, here are 10 trail destinations within a three-hour drive of Charlotte. Some came from www.tarheeltrailblazers, the web site of Tarheel Trailblazers mountain bike club in Charlotte.

Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill: Seven to nine miles of singletrack and doubletrack in the 2,300-acre greenway. Riders pay a $3 daily fee.

www.leroysprings.com/Greenway.html

Col. Francis J. Beatty Community Park, Matthews: Fairly level 5.75-mile singletrack appeals to both novices and experienced riders. No fee.

www.parkandrec.com

DuPont State Forest, Hendersonville: This 10,000-acre state-owned forest, known for its spectacular waterfalls, offers more than 80 miles of dirt roads and singletrack trails. No fee.

www.dupontforest.com

Fisher Farm Park, Davidson: Four miles of singletrack wind through pasture and woods in this 200-acre park owned by the town of Davidson. No fee.

www.ci.davidson.nc.us/index.asp?nid=143

Lake Norman State Park, Troutman: Ride 13 miles of singletrack built by volunteers in rolling terrain in mature forest. No fee.

www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lano/main.php

New River Trail State Park, Foster Falls, Va.: Multi-use 57-mile trail for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers follows an old rail bed, trestles and tunnels along the New River in southern Virginia. No fee.

www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/new.shtml

South Mountains State Park, Morganton: Cyclists will find steep uphill climbs and fast downhill runs on the strenuous 17-mile loop. No fee.

www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo/main.php

U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte: Pedal 11 miles of singletrack along the Catawba River, then raft the rapids in the center's two channels. Rental bikes available; $5 parking fee.

www.usnwc.org

Uwharrie National Forest, Albemarle: Start at the N.C. 24/27 trailhead for a 7.72-mile round trip on the Wood Run Road and Supertree Trail. No fee. Now that deer hunting season is underway, bikers may want to limit riding to Sundays when hunting is banned.

www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus, Va.: A rails-to-trails trail like the New River Trail, the creeper runs 35 miles from Whitetop Mountain through Damascus to Abingdon, Va. Most people get a shuttle to the top and ride the mostly downhill 17 miles back to Damascus. No fee.

www.vacreepertrail.com