I've never personally been to either of these places, but I hear that Hurricane Creek (pretty sure it's up above Asheville off of I-40 W) and Brown Mountain (probably about an hour and a half east of you in Morganton) are pretty moderate trails and good for beginners. From what I understand, they aren't much more than a ride through the woods, like an old logging trail or something. If you are looking for something a little more aggressive, The Flats in Marion will be hosting an open ride towards the middle of January, they have all kinds of trails. That's where I first went wheeling, and had a blast.
Maybe someone else that is more local can chime in with a few ideas.
