Brevard, North Carolina: The Hidden Gem of Mountain Biking

Tucked away in the vast landscapes of North Carolina lies the picturesque town of Brevard—a place that has quietly cemented its position as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the United States. Here, the spirit of adventure thrives among the rolling hills and dense forests, inviting riders from around the globe to explore its untamed beauty. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through serene woodlands or craving the thrill of a challenging descent, Brevard’s trails promise an unforgettable experience.

A Bounty of Trails

With over 300 miles of trails crisscrossing through Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, Brevard offers a smorgasbord of options for bikers of every skill level. Beginners can ease into the sport on wide, forgiving paths that offer a gentle introduction to mountain biking’s joys. Intermediate riders will find plenty of routes dotted with technical features that demand focus and dexterity. For the seasoned mountain biker, the advanced trails present steep, technical descents and obstacles that test even the most experienced riders.

Exploring the Trails

1. Pisgah National Forest

• Overview: Pisgah National Forest is well-regarded as a premier destination for mountain biking in the United States. The forest covers over 500,000 acres and is home to hundreds of miles of trails that range from beginner-friendly paths to expert-level technical challenges.
• Highlights: The Black Mountain Trail and the Bennett Gap Trail are among the must-ride routes, offering exhilarating descents and breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.

2. DuPont State Recreational Forest

• Overview: Just a stone’s throw from Brevard, DuPont State Recreational Forest boasts over 10,000 acres of forested land interspersed with waterfalls and rivers. It features around 80 miles of multi-use trails, where mountain bikers share the space with hikers and horseback riders.
• Highlights: Trails like Ridgeline and Cedar Rock offer smooth, flowing rides with stunning natural backdrops. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the waterfalls that DuPont is famous for.

Top Trails

Visiting Brevard, NC, opens up a world of mountain biking adventure with trails that cater to every level of rider. Here’s a curated list of some of the top trails ranked in difficulty from easiest to hardest showcasing the best of what Brevard has to offer:

Dupont State Forest – Lake Imaging to Hooker Falls

• Length: 7.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Description: This trail is an excellent introduction to mountain biking in DuPont State Forest. It takes you on a scenic journey from Lake Imaging to the popular Hooker Falls. The route is well-marked and offers a combination of forest service roads and single-track sections that are manageable for riders of all levels. The highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Hooker Falls, a beautiful spot for a mid-ride break.

Davidson River Trail Loop

• Length: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Description: Located near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, this loop combines the Davidson River Trail with sections of the Exercise Trail, providing a smooth ride with minimal elevation change. It’s a perfect mix of natural beauty, crossing streams, and passing by lush forest landscapes. This loop is ideal for novice riders or those looking for a relaxed ride.

Turkey Pen Gap

• Length: 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Description: This trail might lean slightly more towards moderate for some beginners, but it’s still manageable for those with basic mountain biking skills. Starting from the Turkey Pen Gap parking area, this loop covers a mix of forest service roads and single-track trails, taking riders through a diverse forest setting. It’s a slightly more adventurous option without being too challenging.

Bracken Preserve Loop

• Length: 7.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Description: Bracken Preserve connects directly with Brevard’s bike-friendly city paths, making it easily accessible. The loop itself offers a gentle ride with some climbs that are not too steep, making it a workout without being overwhelming. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, offering plenty to look at while you ride.

Sycamore Cove Loop

• Length: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Description: Another beautiful option in Pisgah National Forest, the Sycamore Cove Loop, is a fantastic choice for someone looking to experience mountain biking in a national forest without tackling difficult trails. This loop has it all – refreshing streams, lush woodlands, and even a few small climbs to keep things interesting. It’s well-loved by beginners and experienced riders alike for its scenic beauty and enjoyable riding.

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Ridgeline Loop

• Length: Approximately 15 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: This loop within Dupont State Recreational Forest combines several trails to create a moderate ride that includes a mix of fast, flowing sections and a few technical areas. It features a significant highlight – the downhill run on Ridgeline, known for its smooth berms and rolling jumps. The loop also takes riders through beautiful forested areas, offering occasional views of the surrounding mountains.

Pisgah National Forest – Lower Black Mountain Trail Loop

• Length: Approximately 14-16 miles (depending on specific route variations)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Description: While at the upper end of moderate difficulty, the Lower Black Mountain Trail loop in Pisgah National Forest delivers a classic Pisgah experience with a mix of technical downhill, stream crossings, and hard-packed singletrack. The ride ascends gravel and service roads with a rewarding descent on the Black Mountain Trail itself. This trail is suited for riders who are ready for a bit more of a challenge and showcases lush woodland and mountain vistas.

Bracken Preserve – Full Circuit

• Length: Roughly 15 miles (when combined with adjoining trails)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: Bracken Preserve, directly adjacent to Brevard, offers a network of trails that can be combined for a custom ride roughly around 15 miles. The preserve connects to the Pisgah National Forest and Fish Hatchery trails, allowing riders to experience a variety of terrains, from rocky and technical to smooth and flowing sections. Riders can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including streams, forest, and wildlife, making it a rewarding day out on the bike.

North Mills River Trail – Full Loop

• Length: Around 15 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: This loop trail in the North Mills River area of Pisgah National Forest provides an engaging ride through diverse ecosystems. It includes a combination of singletrack, forest service roads, and a few technical sections that require some skill to navigate. The loop takes riders through picturesque settings, including river crossings, dense forests, and open areas that allow for moments of rest and appreciation of the natural beauty.

Pilot Rock Trail

• Length: Approximately 9 to 10 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Overview: This trail presents a steep, technical descent for experienced riders. Starting from the higher altitudes, it takes you through a rugged descent with sharp switchbacks, rock gardens, and rooty sections. The views as you make your way down are exceptional, offering panoramas of the Pisgah National Forest.

Black Mountain Trail

• Length: About 7.5 miles one way, but can be extended to a 14 to 15-mile loop with connecting trails to match your criteria
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Overview: This trail is well-regarded among the mountain biking community for its challenging terrain. It includes a mix of technical downhill sections, tight switchbacks, and some climbs that will test your endurance and technical skills.

Avery Creek Trail to Buckwheat Knob

• Length: Close to 10 miles when combined as an out-and-back trip
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Overview: This ride combines Avery Creek and Buckwheat Knob trails for a strenuous backcountry experience. You’ll face steep climbs, technical descents, and creek crossings. It offers a remote feel with breathtaking natural surroundings.

Farlow Gap

• Length: Roughly 11 miles for a full loop
• Difficulty: Very Hard
• Trail Overview: Farlow Gap is notorious for being one of the most technical and challenging rides in the Pisgah National Forest. The trail demands advanced riding skills, featuring steep descents, large rock gardens, and tight switchbacks. Its remote setting ensures a backcountry experience, pushing even seasoned riders to their limits.

Bennett Gap

• Length: Around 4 miles one way, but typically combined with other trails for a longer ride
• Difficulty: Hard to Very Hard
• Trail Overview: Bennett Gap offers a mix of high-speed sections and technical challenges, including rock drops and steep, technical descents. The trail is particularly popular in the autumn months when the leaves add an additional layer of challenge to the terrain.

Laurel Mountain to Pilot Rock Loop

• Length: Approximately 13 to 14 miles for the full loop
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Overview: This loop combines the climbing challenge of Laurel Mountain with the technical descent of Pilot Rock. Expect long, strenuous climbs followed by a rewarding, technical descent. This route is well-regarded for showcasing some of the best scenery and technical riding in the region.

Butter Gap Trail

• Length: About 7.1 miles one way
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
• Trail Overview: Butter Gap offers an engaging ride with a mix of climbs, descents, and technical features like roots and rocks. The trail winds through a lush forest setting, crossing streams and showcasing cascading waterfalls. It’s known for its natural beauty as much as for its riding challenge. Riders often use it in combination with other trails for a longer circuit.

Daniel’s Ridge Loop

• Length: The loop is approximately 4 miles, but connecting trails can extend the ride significantly.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Overview: Daniel’s Ridge presents a loop that can be taken in either direction, each offering a distinct experience. One side features a more gradual ascent, while the other offers a steeper, more technical challenge with a downhill that demands good handling skills. The loop is well regarded for its accessibility to riders of various skill levels and the scenic forest through which it passes.

Trace Ridge Trail

• Length: Roughly 3.2 miles one way
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Overview: Trace Ridge plunges riders into a swift descent with several technical sections, followed by a challenging climb if ridden in the opposite direction. It’s noted for its fast sections and the scenic ridgeline views. Trace Ridge also serves as a gateway to many other trails in the Pisgah Ranger District, offering several possibilities for extended rides.

Squirrel Gap Trail

• Length: Approximately 8.6 miles one way
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
• Trail Overview: Squirrel Gap Trail stands out for its remote character and challenging terrain that can test both stamina and technical prowess. This ride takes you deep into the heart of Pisgah National Forest, offering a blend of singletrack that weaves through dense forests and skirts along scenic ridgelines. The trail features several creek crossings, rooty sections, and technical spots that require adept bike handling skills. Its relatively untouched feel gives riders a sense of adventure and isolation, far from the more frequented trails.

The Economic and Environmental Harmony

Brevard’s mountain biking ecosystem thrives on the synergy between economic growth and environmental stewardship. The local economy benefits significantly from the sport, with bike shops, rental services, and guided tour operators catering to an ever-growing community of bikers. Meanwhile, the commitment to preserving the natural allure of the trails is evident. Volunteer groups frequently collaborate on maintenance projects, ensuring that the trails remain sustainable for future generations.

Community and Connection

What sets Brevard apart is not just the quality of its trails but the warmth of its biking community. Here, bonds are forged over shared adventures and tales of the trail. Local bike shops are not mere service providers; they are hubs of camaraderie, offering workshops, group rides, and insider tips on the best routes. The town’s calendar is peppered with biking events and competitions, bringing together families, amateurs, and professionals in a celebration of the sport.

Beyond the Bike

While mountain biking might be the main draw, Brevard’s charm extends beyond its trails. The town boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with local breweries, music festivals, and art galleries offering a taste of its creative spirit. After a day of riding, visitors can unwind in a cozy café downtown, sample craft beers, or explore the local music scene.

A Journey Worth Taking

For those drawn to the thrill of mountain biking, Brevard represents a pilgrimage worth making—a place where the beauty of nature meets the exhilaration of the sport. Here, every ride is an adventure, every trail a story waiting to be discovered. It’s a destination that serves not only as a backdrop for physical challenges but as a landscape for personal growth and community. In Brevard, the mountain biking experience transcends the trails; it becomes a journey into the heart of what it means to be alive and free.

As travelers continue to seek out unique experiences that blend adventure with authenticity, Brevard stands out as a gem waiting to be explored. Its trails are a call to those who seek not just the thrill of descent but the warmth of a community that finds its deepest connections in the heart of nature. Join us in Brevard, where the trail begins and the adventure never ends.