Our Top 10 Mountain Biking Trails in Western North Carolina

As I sit on my mountain perch watching the snow falling outside of my window, my mind wanders to spring days, beautiful vistas, and fast single-track As a part of my preparation for the upcoming biking season, my mental wanderings have conjured up my 10 favorite mountain bike rides in western North Carolina.

You might notice that missing from this list are the very popular trails in Dupont State Park and the Tsali Trails. While these are certainly great trails, their very popularity renders a visit to them akin to visiting Grand Central Station. Instead, my list contains trails that have all the elements of a great trail while offering the rider a fair chance of riding in solitude. For further details on the trails listed below please consult the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps for Pisgah and the Smokies.

10) Ivestor Gap Trail- Many people who are familiar with this trail may wonder why this one ended up on a top 10 list. This 8-mile out and back double track is rocky, virtually flat and has none of the technical challenges that most adrenaline junkies crave. However, what this trail lacks in whoop-de-doos it makes up for in awe-inspiring vistas. Heading out from the Black Balsam parking area (just off MM 420 on the BRP) the Ivestor Gap Trail meanders along a ridge a couple hundred feet below the Black Balsam Knob. Along most of the trail the mountain and valley views to the north and west are simply magnificent. At 4 miles the trail reaches Shining Rock Gap and the junction of several hiking trails, including the Art Loeb Trail and the Old Butt Knob Trail.( note that the trail borders the Shining Rock Wilderness Area and mountain bikes are not allowed in the wilderness) This trail is one of my favorite mind clearing, fried chicken picnicking biking trails. Rating- Easy

9) Flat Laurel Creek Trail- This is one of my favorite trails both for mountain biking and hiking. Flat Laurel Creek has everything; nice primitive campsites, spectacular vistas and several waterfalls. This trail that combines quality single track with Blue Ridge Parkway blacktop begins at the Black Balsam Parking Area (MM 420 on the BRP). The trailhead, which is orange blazed is located at the south end of the parking lot opposite the Ivestor Gap trailhead. From the parking area the single-track trail descends 800 feet past many nice campsites, Flat Laurel Creek Cascades and Wildcat Falls to land on Hwy 215 at 3.5 miles. Turn left on Hwy 215 for .8 mile to the junction of the BRP. On the BRP head north past the Devil’s Courthouse and thru the tunnel (note headlamps and rear reflectors are required on bikes in tunnels) to MM 420.Make a left on FS 816 to return to the parking area. This ride offers a little of everything that bikers love; a decent workout, quality downhill, views and a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Total Distance- 8 miles, Rating- Moderate

8) Spencer Branch Trail- This 8-mile loop is one of the numerous biking trails in the North Mills River Recreation Area. From the North Mills River Campground drive (or bike) 2 miles north on FS 5000 to the junction of FS142. Cross the concrete bridge and go 0.5 miles to the Trace Ridge Parking Lot. The ride begins on the orange blaze Trace Ridge Trail that traverses Coffee Pot Mountain to a junction with the yellow blazed Spencer Branch Trail just below the BRP. The ride up to this junction is a grueling 800 ft. ascent. The reward is a screaming drop down steep single track back to the parking area. This trail offers limited views but a good workout on the ascent and a thrill ride on the descent. Elevation Gain 300 ft. Rating- Strenuous

7) Bennett Gap Trail- this 7-mile loop, which is located in the Davidson River area near Brevard, is open to bikers from October 15th thru April 15th. The ride begins at the horse stables, 2 miles up FS 477 from Hwy 276. The ride begins with a tough 3-mile climb up FS 477 to the junction with the red blazed Bennett Gap Trail. There is a tough 0.8-mile climb up Bennett Gap to the top of the ridge. The reward at the top is a spectacular cliff-top view of Looking Glass Rock, my favorite rock formation in all of Pisgah Forest. The 2-mile ride back down is fast, steep and technical. This is a first class seasonal ride. Elevation Gain 1100 ft.Rating- Moderate

6) The River Tour- Cascading creeks and numerous river crossings highlight this magnificent single-track ride. The ride begins at the Bradley Creek Trail trailhead; 6 miles west of the North Mills River Campground on FS 1206.The trailhead will be on the left next to a very nice primitive campsite fronting Bradley Creek. The first 50 ft.of the trail involves a crossing of Bradley Creek. The orange blazed Bradley Creek Trail parallels the creek for 5 miles to the junction of the white blazed South Mills River Trail. Go right for .25 mile to right on yellow blazed Mullinax Trail. Go 1.2 miles to junction of Laurel Creek Trail (also yellow blazed) and go 1.7 miles to the junction of Bradley Creek Trail. Make a left on Bradley Creek and take the trail back to the trailhead. If you like pristine mountain creeks, cascades and getting wet, than this one’s for you. This 11-mile loop is one of the best that Pisgah has to offer. Rating- Moderate

5) Fletcher Creek Trail- This 9-mile loop is accessed from the Trace Ridge Parking Area in the North Mills Recreation Area. (See the Spencer Branch trail above for directions) From the parking lot ride through the gate on the right onto the Never Ending Road. This begins a 5-mile gradual ascent up the road to the blue blazed Fletcher Creek Trail on the left. This begins a technical 3- mile ride through a forest of hemlock and rhododendron to FR 142. Turn left for a 1- mile ride back to the Trace Ridge Parking Area. This trail offers an excellent mountain workout and a chance to sharpen technical skills. Elevation gain 500 ft. Rating- Moderate

4) Pilot Cove/ Slate Rock Trail- This sweet 6 mile loop is located on FS 1206, 7-miles west of the North Mills River Campground. The blue blazed single track begins a steady 1.5-mile; 700 ft. push to the top of Slate Rock Ridge. Along the way you will pass numerous cascades and nice waterfalls. At the top of the ridge the rider is rewarded with some magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The descent down to FS 1206 is rather technical which should give the rider some good downhill practice. At FS1206 make a right for the 1.5-mile ride back to the trailhead. This is a good exercise in ridge riding, uphill pushing, and technical downhill riding. Rating- Moderate

3) The Balsam Mountain Thrill Ride- Attention Adrenaline Junkies Everywhere! This is the ride for you. This is a 15-mile all downhill joyride through some of the most pristine wilderness the Smokey Mountains has to offer. The trail can be accessed by turning up the Heintooga Rd. at MM 458 on the BRP. Drive up this road past the Mile High Campground on the left and the Balsam Mountain Campground on the left until the blacktop ends at the parking area on top of Balsam Mountain. The Mile High Campground is the best campground around. It is run by the Cherokee Tribe and has the best sites. Several sites are ridge top with views of Clingmans Dome, Mt.Le Conte, and others. The campground is quiet, has hot water showers and has firewood delivery to the campsites. 7-miles up the Heintooga Rd. from Mile High the road ends at the Balsam Picnic area parking lot. The ride begins on the gravel forest service road at the gate.
Note: This road is closed in winter so check ahead. Since there is a 2500 ft. elevation loss over the course of this ride, a shuttle is advised. I’ve done this ride many times and I have never had the mettle to attempt the 15-mile ride back up the road. You can either have a car follow (cars are allowed on this forest service road) or have a car park at the bottom. This can be accessed by taking Big Cove Rd. in the town of Cherokee to Straight Fork Rd. to the ford at Ledge Creek. This is a nice place to park as this creek is crystal clear and full of trout. On the bike ride down you can attain some amazing speeds. I have hit 45mph on many occasions. The gravel road is generally in good condition but I have witnessed some serious wrecks due to excessive speed. The ending of the ride is a real treat as you careen out of the forest and make a wet fording of Ledge Creek. This ride is one of my all time favorites, which I never tire of doing. On many days you might not see another human along the course of the ride. This is a good reason not to do this ride alone. Rating-Moderate

2) Laurel Mountain Trail- Get ready for the best single track riding that Pisgah has to offer. This 14-mile marathon ride has it all; fantastic views, a humbling ascent and a bone jarring descent. The ride begins on the orange blazed Pilot Rock Trail, which is on FS1206, 7.9 miles west of the North Mills River Campground. (Note; there are numerous nice primitive campsites with pads along FS 1206) Starting on the Pilot Rock Trail you will begin a grueling 2000 ft. climb over the next 3 miles. Most mortals will have to dismount several times. Hang in there the fun is about to begin. At 2.6 miles you will reach the yellow blazed Laurel Mountain Connector. Stay on the connector for 0.3 miles to the junction with the Laurel Mountain Trail. (blue blaze) Enjoy the views at this 4800 ft. elevation before beginning a 6.5-mile descent back to FS 1206.The first mile down is extremely steep and technical. Before reaching FS 1206 you will drop 1800 ft.of elevation. At FS 1206 head west for 5 miles to return to the Pilot Rock Parking Area. Rating- Strenuous

1) Clawhammer- The name says it all. This is the toughest ride in all of Pisgah. This 11-mile loop will test the mettle of the most in shape bikers. Beginning at the horse stables on FS 477 off Hwy 276, the first 6 miles is an uphill test of stamina and will. Start out through the gate up Clawhammer Rd. After climbing 1500 ft. at 4.5 miles you will take a right onto the Black Mountain Trail.(white blaze) Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the ridge. At 7.3 miles take a sharp right at the intersection onto Maxwell Cove Rd. At 9.5 miles take a left onto Clawhammer Rd. for a quick descent back to the horse stables. If you complete the Clawhammer without dismounting you will have that satisfied feeling of a very in shape mountain biker. Rating- Strenuous
 
I hope this list will give my fellow bikers something to dream about during these long winter nights. Happy Biking !!!!