Here is a list of all the trails on this site.

Each trail has its own printable page with all the information and links, including (where available):

  • directions to the starting point
  • difficulty
  • length
  • elevation change
  • a map
  • photos from along the way, and
  • a detailed description and trail directions.

Need to find trails by another method? Go back to Trails.

Airstrip Trail

Easy
  • The upper end of this trail follows along the old airstrip itself with a nice view - unfortunately this can be awful on a hot, sunny day. The lower end of the trail is brand-new; winds down the dry slope below the airstrip on a moderate grade with...
  • 1.01mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Alexander Park M3 Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Of the two loops in the park, this one feels more fast and flowing, but it has some twisting sections too. Up-and down the hills all the way around. This is where the yellow-blazed M3 loop begins, with a short out-and-back section at the beginning....
  • 2.8mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Alexander Mountain Bike Park Trailhead

Alexander Park Right Loop Trail

Moderate
  • The more tight-and-twisty of the two loops at Alexander MTB Park. However, it's not extremely so and there are some fast sections too. Riders are asked to go counter-clockwise on this loop, and it's mostly well-signed and easy to follow. The trail...
  • 3.3mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Alexander Mountain Bike Park Trailhead

Appalachian Way Trail

Moderate

Avery Creek Trail

Moderate
  • Most prefer to make this a descent - you can use gravel roads in the area to do the climbing. Touches up with FS 5057 making connections over to Buckhorn Gap possible. Very steep, rocky, and technical at the northwest end. Passes through a thinly...
  • 3.2mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Barn Trail

Easy
  • Travels from the horse barn near Bridal Veil Falls, past the scenic pastures, and uphill past a small creek to join with the Shelter Rock trail near the bottom of the Airstrip trail. Quickest way to get from the airstrip (and Fawn Lake parking area)...
  • 0.45mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Bear Branch Trail

Moderate
  • Going uphill, starts in a clearing, and then becomes a fairly technical and moderately steep route. Recommended direction is downhill, however, and you can make a nice loop using FS 5001 (a gated logging road).
  • 1.3mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Bear Pen Trail

More Difficult
  • Rough trail makes a fun, rocky and muddy downhill connection between the Laurel Gap trail (grassy road) and FR 74. Not that great uphill - there's no real good downhill to connect to unless you come back down this trail. Huge jumps near bottom. A...
  • 1.4mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Bennett Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Most people ride this downhill, and for good reason - it's a blast, with a mix of technical, ridge-top and sidehill flowing sections. Some spots near the intersection with Perry Cove Trail have nearly sheer drop-offs on the downhill side of the (very...
  • 2.9mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Benn Knob Trail

Moderate

Big Creek Trail

More Difficult
  • Follows one of the larger tributaries of the North Mills River. Many creek crossings on the lower half. Steep climb up the Pisgah Ridge on the upper half. High elevation change. Carry bikes across Blue Ridge Parkway property.
  • 4.9mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Big Rock Trail

More Difficult
  • Trail is rocky and moderately rough at the lower end; offers a fairly gnarly descent or technical climb. Passes over the granite dome, and offers some great slickrock. There are some great views toward Pisgah from the middle. Winds thru pine/oak...
  • 0.84mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Black Mountain Trail

Most Difficult
  • This heavily-used trail features incredible views, riding along a needle-sharp ridgeline, and lots of rock outcroppings and boulders. The trail itself is notable for its waterbars, switchbacks, and (unfortunately) heavily eroded sections. Either...
  • 9.8mi, Climbs Steeply, Very Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Blackrock Trail

Moderate
  • Somewhat steep in places; eroded sections. Nice ridge-top ride providing options for some longer loops on the north side of Panthertown. Combine with Powerline Road and North Road (both more like singletrack to doubletrack trails) to make a nice...
  • 1.7mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Blue Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Represents the easiest route in the park, all on old road beds. This is a "lollipop" loop, or a loop with an out-and-back extension from the parking area to the disc golf area. Most segments are shared with either Blue or Yellow loop trails. Climbing...
  • 2.0mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Richmond Hill Park Trailhead

Boundary Trail

Easy
  • Forest loam surface. Connects Rifle, Guion, and Hickory Mountain trails, forming a small loop.
  • 0.3mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Boyd Branch Trail

Easy
  • Easy, hardpacked trail with an easy, armored rock creek crossing on the upper end. From Boyd Branch Road to the creek crossing, the trail has been graded and graveled, smoothing out a formerly rocky, rooty stretch. The creek crossing itself is no...
  • 0.7mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Bradley Creek Trail

More Difficult
  • Fun creekside, backcountry trail. Numerous water crossings (the deep, rocky, wading type). Good trail for a hot day. Log after log after log across the trail (touch up on your bunny hopping skills!). At some of the creek crossings, it is difficult to...
  • 5.1mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Briar Bottom Trail

Easy
  • This trail circles around the Briar Bottom Group Campground and runs through a hemlock stand beside the South Toe River.
  • 0.6mi, Climbs Gently, Graveled
  • Black Mountains & Toe River Trailhead

Bridal Overlook Trail

Moderate

Bridal Veil Trail

Moderate
  • Now the Little River trail. Mostly level, some sandy sections, some hardpack, a few rocks. Follows river. Creek crossing. Part of the Eastern Slickrock Best Ride.
  • 1.22mi, Some Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Holding Tank for Lost Trails Trailhead

Bridal Veil Falls Road Trail

  • Gravel road occasionally used by forest service vehicles. Passes the horse stables and terminates at a loop, where a short path continues around a switchback to an overlook, and then the base of Bridal Veil Falls.
  • 0.56mi, Some Hills, Paved/Graveled
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Bridge Road Trail

Briery Fork Trail

Moderate

Briery Loop Trail

Buck Forest Road Trail

Moderate
  • Gated, wide, maintained gravel road occasionally used by park and private vehicles (by permit) on the western end down to the Grassy Creek bridge. Rest is fast, packed doubletrack on an old unmaintained road bed.
  • 3.18mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Buckhorn Creek Road Trail

Moderate

Buckhorn Gap Trail

More Difficult
  • Many creek crossings on the lower end and then it's a stiff, moderately technical, rocky climb to the gap. Some eroded places and waterbars. Merges with and follows a gravel road near the top. Not ridden N. of Buckhorn Gap down to S. Mills R. See...
  • 4.6mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Buck Ridge Road Trail

Moderate
  • Ridgeline doubletrack. Ends at DSF boundary, pick up on Micajah trail to avoid trespassing on private property.
  • 0.72mi, ,
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Buckwheat Knob Trail

Moderate
  • Ridgeline trail which passes some enormous trees. Very steep and technical on south end with switchbacks, waterbars, rocks and roots. North of Buckwheat Knob, the trail is narrow, somewhat less steep, and moderately technical. Passes through...
  • 1.5mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Buffalo Creek Park Trail

Moderate
  • This trail, which doesn't really have a name per se (other than "the loop trail" or "trail: phase 1") is a newly-constructed, machine-built path. It's rather wide, but it was built to accommodate multiple uses (bikes and hikers). It winds through...
  • 3.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Buffalo Creek Park Trailhead

Burnt Mountain Trail

More Difficult
  • Southeast end is mostly on an old road bed, high above the Little River at first, undulating and fast. Then switches back and climbs up near the nondescript summit of Burnt Mountain, flowing on and off the old road bed. Steeper descent on northwest...
  • 2.20mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Burnt Tree Peninsula Trail

Easy
  • Some tight and sharp turns; some whoop-te-do's near the beginning. Travels through a young forest of mostly pines and oaks; looks recently burned.
  • 1.0mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Burrell Cove Trail

Moderate
  • Lots of dirt jumps (whoop-te-dos) and small unavoidable technical features. No major climbs; only a few ups-and-downs. Provides access to SABA Beach.
  • 1.7mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Butter Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Seasonal Use Only. Beautiful scenery, fun trail. Starts in Picklesimer Fields...flat, grassy area with crystal clean streamside riding, then a fast, gradual climb, and then a stiff, technical climb up to Butter Gap. Also makes a great downhill from...
  • 2.7mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Campground Connector Trail

Easy
  • Connects the Bent Creek Campground with Bent Creek Gap Road. A smooth, level old roadbed which follows Bent Creek part of the way. Interpretive signs. Mixed pine-hardwood forest. Nice bridge right before intersection with Bent Creek Gap Road.
  • 0.6mi, Level, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Camp Summit Road Trail

Moderate

Caney Bottom Trail

Moderate
  • In what has to be one of the worst naming decisions in the Pisgah district, the part of this trail which is open to bikes *really* should be Cove Creek. Then, Cove Creek would be open to bikes, Caney Bottom wouldn't, and all would be right in the...
  • 1.2mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Caney Bottom Extension Trail

Easy
  • Short but sweet downhill; connects the lower end of the Cove Creek trail at the junction with Caney Bottom to the Cove Creek Group Camp access road.
  • 0.7mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Cannon Creek Trail

Moderate

Cantrell Creek Trail

Moderate
  • Connects the South Mills River trail with the middle of Squirrel Gap trail. Starting near the old Cantrell Creek Lodge site, the trail follows Cantrell Creek upstream on the river right side to where the former trail continues upstream (now part of...
  • 1.9mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Cascade Trail

Moderate

Cat Gap Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Seasonal/partial use trail; the portion from the Fish Hatchery up to the Butter Gap trail is open to bikes from October 15 - April 15 only. Fairly technical in spots, but more sections are level and fast, with jumps and waterbars in places. Has some...
  • 4.4mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Cedar Rock Trail

More Difficult
  • Don't miss this one! This trail offers some of the best - and only - slickrock riding in the East. Combined with Big Rock, this covers most of the slickrock in Dupont. Long sections of solid, rough granite are interspersed with patches of trees,...
  • 1.43mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Cemetery Loop Trail

Easy
  • Follows an old road past an old cemetery on a little plateau near the Davidson River. Lots of white pines & hemlocks, & mountain laurel groves. Some doubletrack & some singletrack; pleasant, short loop.
  • 1.2mi, Some Hills, Few Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Central Loop Trail

Moderate
  • No unavoidable obstacles. All-access trail to other optional trails. Provides glimpses of the lake at times but the side trails take you closer. Mostly smooth singletrack with a few sections on reclaimed logging roads. The steepest section - although...
  • 3.1mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Chestnut Oak Road Trail

Moderate

Club Gap Trail

Moderate

Conservation Road Trail

Easy
  • This is a wide, graded, maintained gravel road, which is gated but occasionally used by park vehicles, and private vehicles for visiting the waterfalls (by permit). Passes the old airstrip.
  • 2.61mi, Hilly, Paved/Graveled
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Coontree Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Only the east half of the loop is open to bikes (and only seasonally). It's moderately steep and rocky; makes for either a fun downhill or a pretty serious climb, especially near the top. A few creek crossings/wet areas can be found near the bottom....
  • 3.7mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Corn Mill Shoals Trail

Moderate
  • Mostly hardpacked, rolling doubletrack, but there are some areas with rocks and bigger gravel, as well as some sand and highly eroded sections. It's becoming singletrack in places. Starting at the Corn Mill Shoals parking area, the trail undulates up...
  • 2.43mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

County Line Road Trail

Cove Creek Trail

Moderate
  • This is an old road bed which goes around the Cove Creek group campground and all the way up to FS 225B. In one of the worst, most confusing naming decisions on the Pisgah district, the lowermost portion of this route south of the Caney Bottom trail...
  • 2.6mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Covered Bridge Trail

Easy
  • Connects the High Falls trail to the covered bridge on Buck Forest Road. Gravel road surface. Extremely popular trail so take it slowly.
  • 0.22mi, Climbs Moderately, Few Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Moderate
  • A terrific, moderately steep, rocky, and technical loop trail. Described here clockwise, it can be ridden either direction. Follows an old roadbed upstream at the start. Passes an old fish hatchery; starts climbing moderately and becomes quite...
  • 4mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Davidson River Trail

Easy
  • Near the fish hatchery, this is a fun but gradual downhill W to E with jump after jump and the river is far down in the gorge below. Also bypasses a terrible, dusty, hot, sunny climb on FR 475 in either direction. Several landslides in September of...
  • 1.1mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Deep Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Starting at the Panthertown Valley trail downhill from Salt Rock, this trail descends to cross Frolictown Creek just above its small, scenic waterfall. Be careful at the crossing - it's slippery and the falls are just downstream. The trail is an old...
  • 1.33mi, Climbs Moderately, Few Obstacles
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Deerfield Loop Trail

Easy
  • Short, but fun loop. Have a few extra minutes after your longer ride at Bent Creek? Hit this one for a nice finish. Steep in places; passes a small wildlife opening. Mostly doubletrack on old roadbeds but one section is true singletrack on the side...
  • 0.8mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Deer Lake Lodge Trail

Moderate
  • Starting at the Rice Pinnacle parking area, the trail is paved up to the former Deer Lake Lodge site and crosses a long wooden bridge along the way. Beyond the old lodge, which is now marked by a clearing on the right, the trail turns sharply left...
  • 1.4mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Devil's Elbow Trail

Moderate

Dogwood Trail

Easy

Estatoe Trail

Easy
  • This new, easy trail follows the Davidson River up from the Lowe's in Brevard, to the Davidson River Campground. Makes it possible to ride from downtown Brevard onto Pisgah's trail system without following a road. Easy; nearly level; hard packed...
  • 0.7mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

E. Stone Mountain Road Trail

Explorer Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Travels on mostly old roadbeds; mostly doubletrack. Fast in places. Crosses Beaten Branch a couple of times on the northeast end; this can be wet. Only a couple of steep sections; re-routed section near Cold Creek Knob Road is true singletrack, and...
  • 3mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Farlow Gap Trail

Most Difficult
  • Typically ridden downhill, this trail is a beloved Pisgah classic. It starts with a few short twists and turns through the high, cool ridge-top forest in a generally northerly direction. The trail then becomes a legendarily steep descent with a...
  • 3.3mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Farmhouse Trail

Moderate

Fawn Lake Loop Trail

Easy

Fawn Lake Road Trail

Easy

Flat Laurel Creek Trail

Moderate
  • This entire trail is above 5000 feet. Very scenic - awesome high elevation meadows near the Black Balsam parking area. There are many wet, seepy sections and creek crossings, and the trail is very rocky although a lot of work has been done to the...
  • 3.7mi, Climbs Gently, Moderately Rough
  • Black Balsam Trailhead

Flat Ridge Trail

Flat Rock Trail

Moderate

Flatwoods Trail

Moderate

Fletcher Creek Trail

Easy
  • Passing through some open fields which have been used to grow corn in the past, the upper part of this trail makes a very fun downhill: it's fast, gradual, winding, and just steep and bumpy enough to spice it up. Fields can get overgrown with weeds...
  • 2.4mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Florence Preserve Orange - Tom & Glenna Rock Trail

Easy

Foster Creek Trail

Easy
  • This is an excellent, easy trail, and a great loop for beginners wanting to sample some singletrack riding, with low elevation changes. It travels through a forest of mostly white pines with an understory of mountain laurel and a vast cover of ground...
  • 1.59mi, Some Hills, Few Obstacles
  • Pisgah Ranger District Trailhead

Frank Street Trail

Easy

FS 471D Connector Trail

Easy

Galax Trail

Moderate
  • **Note:** This trail was closed permanently in 2010. A replacement trail for horses and bikes, from Sheep Mountain up to the Triple Falls trail, is in the long term plans. Moderately steep climb on purpose built singletrack trail with several...
  • 0.27mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Granny Burrell Falls Trail

Moderate

Grassy Creek Trail

More Difficult

Grassy Creek Falls Trail

Moderate
  • Short, travels down to the falls. Bike access ends right before you get to the falls so park and walk this convoluted section with lots of roots and rocks.
  • 0.28mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Grassy Creek Road Trail

Grassy Loop Trail

Grassy Meadow Trail

Moderate
  • From the eastern end, the trail - which is an old road - ascends slightly, then crosses a tributary of Briery Fork before going through its eponymous meadow. The creek crossing is the only part of this trail that could be called even remotely...
  • 0.83mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Grassy Road Trail

Easy
  • An old road bed that is becoming a trail again. Moderate climb near the junction with Thrift Cove, with some jumps; levels out near the junction with Sycamore Cove. Gravel sections. The open forest along the trail is filled with Appalachian Hill Cane...
  • 1mi, ,
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Great Wall Trail

More Difficult
  • Only open to bikes and horses on the short stretch from Granny Burrel Falls trail to the old shelter. This is an old road.
  • 1.63mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Green's Lick Trail

Moderate
  • Although we've been riding this for years, it was never an official trail by Forest Service standards. The old trail followed an old road bed from just below North Boundary Road to the top of Laurel Branch Road. The connector between North Boundary...
  • 2.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Greentown Trail

Most Difficult

Guion Trail

Hardtimes Connector Trail

Easy
  • This trail is a great warmup to the rest of your ride at Bent Creek. From the Hardtimes trailhead, a short climb is followed by a short but fantastic singletrack downhill to Bent Creek Ranch Road. Just bumpy and rocky enough to spice up the extremely...
  • 0.9mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Headquarters Trail

More Difficult

Heartbreak Ridge Trail

Most Difficult
  • Descends all the way down the Blue Ridge from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Glass Rock Knob to the Star Gap trail not far from the Old Fort Geyser.
  • 3.9mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Grandfather Ranger District Trailhead

Hickory Mountain Loop Trail

Moderate
  • This trail was rebuilt in the spring of 2014 by Elevated Trail Design. It was built with mountain biking in mind, and technical features abound. Climbs past an open meadow through some switchbacks before winding around atop Hickory Mountain a bit,...
  • 1.06mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Hickory Mountain Road Trail

Easy
  • Old gravel road travels from the meadow near Guion Farm to the bottom of Hickory Mountain, where it connects to Hickory Mountain Loop and Ridgeline. Mostly gravel; travels through pine forest. Passes through another clearing near the upper end with a...
  • 2.76mi, Climbs Gently, Graveled
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

High Falls Trail

Moderate
  • This "trail" has a lot of parts to it. The portion open to bikes goes from the Triple Falls/Buck Forest Road intersection down to the picnic shelter above High Falls, and then on down to the Riverbend trail, then alongside the river to Triple Falls....
  • 0.73mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

High Point Trail

Moderate
  • Steeper trail with more rocks than others at Jackrabbit Mountain. Winds around the top of the hill - even though it looks like a trail with a loop attached on the map, the sides don't actually join (they're about 5 feet apart) and it is a single...
  • 1.0mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Hilltop Loop Trail

Easy

Holly Road Trail

Easy

Holly Springs Trail

More Difficult

Homestead Trail

Easy
  • This trail was recently completely re-graded. Most technical obstacles have been removed. Travels along the shore of Lake Powhatan. Passes through the beach area and past the dam, then downstream along Bent Creek. A few fun footbridges and...
  • 1mi, Level, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Hooker Creek Trail

Moderate

Hooker Falls Road Trail

Easy
  • Old roadbed follows Little River to Hooker Falls. Mostly flat; drops a bit right at the falls to reach the base.
  • 0.25mi, Some Hills, Few Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Hooker Ridge Road Trail

Moderate

Horse Cove Gap Trail

Moderate

Ingles Field Connector Trail

Moderate
  • A short but fairly steep and fun trail on an old road bed, connecting from Ledford Gap up to the Ingles Field Gap trail.
  • 0.3mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Ingles Field Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Some stretches are level, but has a decent overall elevation change from end to end, making for some steep places and great downhills too. Follows an old road bed on the bottom 3/4; upper 1/4 is built for trail. Recently the entire trail has been...
  • 1.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Isaac Heath Trail

Moderate

Ivestor Gap Trail

Easy
  • Out and back only, so riding this is actually 4.0 miles. Mostly flat, but extremely rocky with wet areas and springs. This wide, high elevation trail (above 5000 feet) travels through an alpine-like environment, with a few spruce and fir trees,...
  • 4.3mi, Climbs Gently, Moderately Rough
  • Black Balsam Trailhead

Jim Branch Trail

Jim Branch Loop Trail

Joanna Road Trail

Moderate

Lake Dense Trail

Easy

Lake Imaging Road Trail

Moderate
  • Passes Lake Imaging and winds up at Grassy Creek Falls & Buck Forest Road; popular area for horseback riders.
  • 1.53mi, ,
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Lake Julia Road Trail

Easy

Lake View Loop Trail

Easy

Laurel Creek Trail

Moderate
  • A little overgrown with doghobble, but an otherwise nice trail; climbs by a creek in a scenic deep cove, then the narrow trail climbs up small, steep ridge. Some erosion on ridge.
  • 1.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Laurel Gap Trail

Moderate
  • A long, grassy old road (FS 5548), running parallel to (but higher than) FS 74 through the Big Ivy area. At its highest point, the road is just below the Blue Ridge Parkway. Intersects four other trails for loop options. High elevation, dense...
  • 7mi, Few Hills, Few Obstacles
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Laurel Mountain Trail

More Difficult
  • Long, narrow, backcountry singletrack trail which reaches high elevations. Overall, it's a gradual climb but it does feature some very technical spots and steep climbs. In addition to that, there are fast sections where you can stay in the middle...
  • 7.4mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Laurel Mountain Connector Trail

Easy
  • Connects Laurel Mt. tr. to Pilot Rock tr. Technical, moderately steep but very short.
  • 0.3mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Laurel Ridge Trail

Moderate
  • Nice trail has been re-routed along much of its length. Travels sidehill below the summit of a steep ridge. Fun sections with TTF's. Mixed hardwood forest.
  • 0.85mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Laurel River Trail

Moderate
  • This trail follows Big Laurel Creek through a scenic gorge to its junction with the French Broad river at the old logging ghost town of Runion. This trail is especially nice in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and...
  • 3.6mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Hot Springs Trailhead

Ledford Trail

Easy
  • Connects Wolf Branch trail to Rice Pinnacle Road (FS 479E), crossing Wolf Branch at a muddy area with huge ferns along the way. Climbs moderately toward the road through a young forest. Watch for blazes.
  • 0.6mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Left Loop Trail

More Difficult
  • Longest Tsali trail. Starts with a roller coaster ride along the lakeshore that you can control! Trail dips into a cove, crosses a creek, then emerges to zoom along the lakeshore time and again. Toward the overlook, the trail moves into the interior...
  • 11.9mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Tsali Recreation Area Trailhead

Little Andy Trail

Most Difficult
  • The trail climbs and follows a ridge above Little Andy Creek. The trail emerges on Laurel Gap Trail about 100 feet from Upper Corner Rock Trail on the left. You will pass a seemingly misplaced large granite boulder on the left. Can be made into a...
  • 0.6mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Little Hickory Top Trail

Moderate
  • Starting at Boyd Branch Road, the trail climbs through several switchbacks through logged areas. The surface is a logging road which used to be a singletrack trail historically called Sidehill, but was revived into a road around 2005 (and is now...
  • 1.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Little River Trail

Moderate
  • Follows an old roadbed. Mostly hardpacked with some sand and rocks, and one creek crossing (Tom Creek) where you can ford or take a sketchy log bridge. Not much in the way of elevation change. Follows the river in places. Ends at the State Forest...
  • 1.17mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Locust Trail

Moderate

Long Branch Trail

Moderate
  • Hilly and fast in places, with nice scenery, roots and rocks, stacked parallel logs for erosion control, narrow log bridges, several creek crossings, rhododendron tunnels, and waterbars A very fun trail. Part of the Picklesimer Fields ride.
  • 2.5mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Longside Trail

Moderate

Lower CCC Trail

Moderate

Lower Sidehill Trail

Moderate
  • I recommend riding this from Bent Creek Gap Road down to Boyd Branch road. In this direction, a short, steep climb with loose, medium sized rocks is followed by a delicious downhill (fast and moderately steep/technical) to Laurel Branch road. This is...
  • 3.1mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Lower Sidehill Connector Trail

Moderate
  • From Laurel Branch Road and Lower Sidehill trail, this is downhill to Bent Creek Gap Road. A short, fun trail with some great jumps. Passes through a nice hemlock grove.
  • 0.4mi, , Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Mac's Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Provides the quickest access to Greenland Creek Falls area from the Cold Mountain trailhead on an old road bed. (To reach the falls, take the hiking only Greenland Creek Falls trail upstream at the creek crossing). Past that, it ascends into the...
  • 3.13mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Micajah Trail

Moderate
  • Narrow and twisty in places; crosses some sections of slickrock. Optional technical features. Excellent downhill.
  • 0.82mi, ,
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Middle Fork Trail

Easy
  • Traveling beside Middle Fork (stream) and crossing it once on an old railroad grade, the upper section is moderately sloped and bumpy with one section that has many logs laid across the trail side by side for erosion control. The lower section is a...
  • 1mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Mill Ridge Trail

More Difficult
  • This trail offers views of Big Laurel Creek Gorge and the Rich Mountain area. The fields have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 5.4mi, ,
  • Hot Springs Trailhead

Mine Mountain Trail

More Difficult

Moore Cemetery Road Trail

Easy

Mouse Branch Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Has one long, fast singletrack downhill, with a gradual climb up to it. Good views, trail passes over neat clearcut hills--in one spot, you can see the trail snaking over on the next ridge. Watch how quickly the forest can change as you go in and out...
  • 6.5mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Tsali Recreation Area Trailhead

Mouse Branch Overlook Loop Trail

Moderate
  • A new addition. One way trail (counter-clockwise). Good view from the overlook, not as spectacular as the one from Overlook Loop but well worth the ride out there. You can see some neat islands down in the lake. This extension also has some great...
  • 2.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Tsali Recreation Area Trailhead

Mullinax Trail

Moderate
  • From the S. Mills River trail, climbs on an eroded old roadbed through nondescript forest to a nice campsite in a gap, just after crossing a small stream. Technical in spots. The trail makes a hard right to the north on another road bed, which heads...
  • 1.2mi, ,
  • Mills River Trailhead

Nooks Trail

Easy
  • A little-used trail which dead-ends in the Nooks, a spit of land formed by the Little River's meanderings.
  • 0.42mi, Some Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

North Boundary Road Trail

Moderate
  • Near the bottom this is a wide gravel road with large water turn-outs which make great jumps if heading downhill. Higher up, as it approaches Ingles Field Gap, the road narrows into doubletrack and even singletrack. Beyond Ingles Field Gap, the trail...
  • 3.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

North Mills River Trail

Easy
  • Fairly level but technical and has many river crossings where the trail is difficult to follow. Very little riding and a lot of wading. Impassible in high water.
  • 1.6mi, Some Hills, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

North Road Trail

Moderate

North Slope Trail

Moderate
  • Seasonal use only (October 15 - April 15). Short, steep climb from Davidson River up to intersection with North Slope Connector. Has waterbars, several neat bridges over gulches, rooty sections, rhododendron tunnels, and banked curves. A fun downhill...
  • 3.7mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Oak Tree Trail

Easy

Panthertown Valley Trail

Moderate
  • This is the main trail through the valley which stretches from the Cold Mountain parking area to the Salt Rock parking area. It passes near many of the main attractions within the valley, so many loop rides will utilize it. The surface is generally...
  • 3.3mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Perkins Trail

Most Difficult

Pilot Cove Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Confusingly, this trail is neither a loop nor is it really in Pilot Cove - rather it runs along a ridge, Forked Ridge at first and then Slate Rock Ridge. But it does start in Pilot Cove, on the Pilot Cove-Slate Rock trail not far from FS 1206, so...
  • 1.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Pilot Cove - Slate Rock Trail

Moderate
  • Fun creekside trail, rocky and rooty sections. There are several stream crossings and some small waterfalls on the creek. Steep sections as it goes over the gap on Slate Rock Ridge. Watch out or you will end up on the Laurel Mountain trail at...
  • 4.3mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Pilot Rock Trail

Moderate
  • This trail is a blast and is nearly always ridden downhill. It's steep, with many sharp switchbacks. Very rocky; has a rock garden that's nearly impossible to ride, and many waterbars. Test out your suspension here! Great views from the top of Pilot...
  • 3.6mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Pine Tree Trail

Moderate

Pine Tree Loop Trail

Easy
  • Fun, moderately technical and moderately climbing loop. Follows Bent Creek closely along its lower portion; this part is true singletrack with some of it on old roadbeds. Rest is mostly doubletrack on old road beds; some graveled portions. Fast, with...
  • 2mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Pink Beds Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Seasonal Use Only. Note: only north half of loop is open to bikes. Rhododendron & Mtn. Laurel tunnels. Trail travels through some open fields on old, narrow roadbed. Undulates up and down near beginning at picnic area; then drops thru a fun...
  • 5mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Pitch Pine Trail

Moderate
  • Short but fun trail. West of Joanna Road, there are some twisty sections, rollers, and moderate climbs. There is a neat rock feature with a technical and an easy option. East of Joanna Road, the trail descends gently on an old road bed with a few...
  • 0.39mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Plantation Trail

Easy

Point Lookout Trail

Moderate
  • This greenway path/trail follows the route of old US Hwy 70 on a steady grade up the Blue Ridge Escarpment from the valley near Old Fort to the top near Ridgecrest. It's a strip of asphalt down the old concrete roadway. Hemmed in by a hardwood and...
  • 3.62mi, Climbs Moderately, Paved
  • Grandfather Ranger District Trailhead

Poplar Trail

Moderate
  • Short connector descends from White Pine Loop to Rifle trail. Old forest road surface.
  • 0.33mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Poplar Hill Loop Trail

Easy

Powerline Road Trail

Moderate

Rainbow Road Trail

Easy

Rattlesnake Knob Trail

Moderate

Raven Rock Trail

More Difficult

Reasonover Creek Trail

More Difficult

Red Trails

More Difficult
  • Small sections of trails that link back into the Yellow trail. These trails offer some tight, twisty turns and more difficult cycling.
  • 2mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Richmond Hill Park Trailhead

Ridgeline Trail

More Difficult

Riding Ford Trail

Moderate
  • Formerly called the Green Creek trail. Passes near Riding Ford, Jawbone, and Warden's falls. Can be used with Powerline Road, Devil's Elbow, and Panthertown Valley trails for a great loop.
  • 0.95mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Panthertown Valley Trailhead

Rifle Trail

Moderate

Right Loop Trail

More Difficult
  • Shorter loops possible using connector trails. Some lakeshore riding, lots of hilly interior riding with a few steep, challenging spots. Has lots of great jumps. Has a few creek crossings, one of which is done on a brand new bridge. Sections are...
  • 11mi, Hilly, Few Obstacles
  • Tsali Recreation Area Trailhead

Right Loop Connector 1 Trail

Easy

Right Loop Connector 2 Trail

Easy

Right Loop Overlook Trail

Moderate

River Bend Trail

Easy
  • Provides access to the base of High Falls. An old road bed leading along the river fades into a narrower path before ending at the pool below the falls. Rocky in spots near the base of the falls.
  • 0.27mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Riverside Trail

Moderate
  • As its name implies, this trail follows the river (South Mills) and Bradley Creek, both of which you cross several times. Scenic. Expect to get wet up to your knees on this one. Few hills, some rocky and rooty sections. Impassible in high water.
  • 4mi, Climbs Gently, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Rock Quarry Road Trail

Easy

Rocky Ridge Trail

More Difficult

SABA Beach Trail

Easy
  • Narrow, tight, twisting thru pine trees. Nearly level. Provides access to SABA Beach. Highly recommended if you're on Burrell Cove.
  • 0.7mi, Few Hills, Moderately Rough
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

SABA Beach Spur Trail

Sandy Trail

Easy

Scarlet Oak Trail

Easy

Sheep Mountain Trail

Moderate

Shelter Rock Trail

Easy

Shoal Creek Trail

Moderate

Shoals Trail

More Difficult

Shope Creek Forest Road Trail

Moderate

Shortcut Trail

Moderate

Sidehill Trail

Moderate
  • Most of this trail was turned into a road during 2005. From Ledford Gap to Boyd Branch Road, it is a gravel road and will be permanently maintained that way. Not a trail. From Boyd Branch Road to Ingles Field Gap, it is currently an unimproved road...
  • 0.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Small Creek Trail

Easy
  • Follows a small creek through young, mixed forests with plenty of the usual rhododendron and mountain laurel. Has recently been re-graded with some new bridges installed. Some parts are steep and some technical sections remain.
  • 0.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Few Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Sneaking Creek Trail

Moderate
  • Open and flowing "lollipop" loop with a few short climbs and descents, a covered bridge, and optional features. Longest trail at Jackrabbit Mountain. At the "tip" of the loop, you're only about 1/10 mile north of the GA state line.
  • 3.2mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

South Mills River Trail

  • This is a stream side trail along an old road bed for much of its length; pulls away from the river along one section around High Falls. Some roots and rocks spice up the ride here and there. Crosses the river using bridges (concrete and suspension)...
  • 12mi, Climbs Gently, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Spencer Branch Trail

Moderate
  • The upper end of this trail, above FS 5097 (Neverending Road), was recently rerouted onto a much more reasonably graded trail. It is now more of a flowing trail, albeit with some deliberately placed rock gardens and a few other features to spice up...
  • 2.3mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Spencer Gap Trail

Moderate
  • Connects Wash Creek Road to the Trace Ridge trail. Running just below the Blue Ridge Parkway, this trail is hilly and somewhat rocky. One steep part toward Wash Creek Road. Slightly overgrown. I've seen deer on this trail twice.
  • 1.6mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Squirrel Gap Trail

Moderate
  • This is a long, backcountry trail. It's purpose-built trail that doesn't follow many logging roads - a rarity in Pisgah. It's excellent - fast, technical, and fun narrow singletrack clinging to the mountainside in most places. Intersects Mullinax,...
  • 7.5mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Staire Creek Trail

More Difficult
  • **Note**: major maintenance work was started on this trail in Fall 2015 and the Forest Service has announced its closure to horses and bikes while that is completed. Expected re-opening is March 2016. This trail is typically ridden in the downhill...
  • 1.1mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Starens Branch Trail

Moderate
  • Short connector from Sycamore Cove to Thrift Cove/Grassy Road. Only this portion is open to bikes (not the portion connecting down to Black Mountain trail).
  • 1.0mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Summey Cove Trail

Moderate
  • Extremely poorly designed at NC 215 (east) end. Extremely steep. Rest of trail generally follows old roadbeds; very wet & muddy in places. Provides access to the spectacular Courthouse Falls, which is well worth the few hundred foot side hike down to...
  • 2mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Pisgah Ranger District Trailhead

Switchback Trail

Moderate

Sycamore Cove Trail

Moderate
  • Substantial climbs with technical, short but very rooty sections. A fun downhill with several creek crossings - on one the trail becomes the creek for a few dozen feet. Wintertime views of Brevard.
  • 3.2mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Davidson River Trailhead

Table Rock Trail

Easy
  • A nice short ride through the woods, but don't expect a view like the name might suggest. There's not really any rock visible on the small mountain known as Table Rock, and it is all tree-covered.
  • 0.88mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Tarkiln Branch Road Trail

Moderate

Thomas Cemetery Road Trail

Moderate

Thompson Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Some stream crossings and old logging roads. Mixed pine and hardwood forests at Tsali are easily recognized on this trail. Some old homesites. Neat part of forest with tall hemlocks and rhododendron, not typical of the heavily logged areas at Tsali....
  • 7.7mi, Hilly, Few Obstacles
  • Tsali Recreation Area Trailhead

Three Lakes Trail

Moderate
  • From Lake Dense, the trail follows an old road bed past the picnic shelter, across the dam, and over to Lake Alford. It has moderate grades, and goes through a pine/hemlock forest where many of the hemlocks are dying. There is a great view of Joanna...
  • mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Thrift Cove Trail

Easy

Trace Ridge Trail

Moderate
  • Uphill from the Trace Ridge trailhead parking lot, this trail follows an old roadbed to the parkway. It is a rocky trail: either a fast, bumpy downhill, or a steep, technical uphill. Highly recommended! Downhill from the trailhead, this trail was...
  • 3.1mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

Triple Falls Trail

Moderate
  • **Please note:** Only open to bikes from Buck Forest Road down to the Triple Falls picnic shelter and overlook. The portion open to bikes is an old gravel road which descends moderately to the picnic shelter and falls. Closed to bikes beyond the...
  • 1.03mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Turkey Knob Road Trail

Moderate
  • This old road is reverting back to a singletrack trail. The new extension from Pinnacle Mountain Road down to Briery Fork trail (built early 2013) is purpose-built singletrack, and it opens up more possibilities for loops in the south end of DuPont,...
  • 3.1mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Turkey Pen Gap Trail

More Difficult
  • Long ridgeline trail which undulates up and down over the various knobs on its summit. Very steep in places; has some issues with erosion as well. It winds onto the edge of private land in places; stay on the trail. Enables a connection with trails...
  • 5.5mi, Hilly, Moderately Rough
  • Mills River Trailhead

Twin Oaks Trail

Moderate

Twixt Trail

Moderate

Upper Corner Rock Trail

Moderate
  • Starting at FS 74, climbs moderately on a wide old road bed through a couple of switchbacks, first to the right and then to the left. Be sure not to take any mis-leading side trails leading away from the switchbacks on the old road. Traverses the...
  • 1mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Upper Falls Trail

Moderate

Upper Ridge Trail

Moderate
  • Small obstacles such as rock crossings and tighter turns. Has a few short climbs and descents. You'll hear other hikers and riders below you on the Central Loop, which is not far down the slope from you at most times.
  • 1.5mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Vineyard Gap Trail

Moderate

Walker Creek Trail

More Difficult
  • From FS 74, this trail descends a little over 1000' to cross Walker Creek and terminate. It is nearly always ridden downhill; the other direction would be a long push more or less. It's muddy after rains and it's rocky, the rocks get slick, and it...
  • 1.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Big Ivy (Coleman Boundary) Trailhead

Wash Creek Trail

Easy
  • Short connector from Hendersonville Reservoir Road, FS 142, to the Trace Ridge trail on an old road bed. Crosses a small seep and passes into a recently logged area near the junction.
  • 0.8mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Mills River Trailhead

White Pine Trail

Easy

White Pine Loop Trail

Easy
  • Easy loop off Hickory Mountain Road. Old forest road surface. Travels through an area logged of White Pine.
  • 0.24mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Wilkie Trail

Moderate

Wilson Ridge Trail

Most Difficult
  • Unmaintained series of old logging roads and newer gravel and dirt roads, with some singletrack sections thrown in for good measure.
  • 14.7mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
  • Wilson Creek Area Trailhead

Wintergreen Falls Trail

More Difficult
  • Easy ride on an old road from Tarklin Br. Rd. to Sandy Tr. Narrows a bit, then narrows a lot. Leave your bike at the sign/horse tie-out and take the short, narrow, rough trail for a few hundred feet up over some rocks to the base of the falls.
  • 0.52mi, Climbs Gently, Moderately Rough
  • Dupont State Forest Trailhead

Wolf Branch Trail

Moderate
  • Travels through the relatively flat stream bottoms at the base of the mountains. Near the western end of this trail, you can see the hills rising out of the valley, and you'll start to climb them before you reach Ledford Branch Road. There used to be...
  • 1.2mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Bent Creek Trailhead

Woodruff Ridge Trail

Yellow Gap Trail

Moderate

Yellow Loop Trail

Moderate
  • Longest loop in the park. Crosses a creek and heads into the outer regions. Fun, twisty sections. More difficult than the blue loop, but still moderate overall.
  • 2.75mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
  • Richmond Hill Park Trailhead

Yotee's Run Trail

Moderate
  • Great views. Has a bit more ups-and-downs and rocky areas than some of the other trails. Travels through some neat, open woods on the east side of the hill. Seems to get less use, so it's a bit narrower too. Provides access to High Point trail.
  • 1.5mi, Few Hills, Some Obstacles
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Trailhead

Young's Ridge Trail

More Difficult
  • Formerly known as Kitsuma or Kitsuma Peak. Starting at its upper end, the trail ascends gently beside I-40 before climbing more steeply through a set of 12 switchbacks approaching the peak, gaining 500ft elevation from the parking area. There are...
  • 4.2mi, Hilly, Some Obstacles
  • Grandfather Ranger District Trailhead