Brevard, North Carolina is known as the mountain biking capital of the East. Two-wheeled thrill seekers from across the country come here to experience trails with mountain vistas, waterfall views, and a rewarding challenge. Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Bracken Mountain Preserve are all recognized as exceptional spots to ride by both locals and visitors to the area. Over 350 miles of epic singletrack twist through these hills, but if you ask someone about their favorite trail, a few rides stand out above the rest.
Best downhill trails near Brevard
With plenty of elevation change in and around Brevard, there are naturally quite a few downhill trails that mountain bikers love. DuPont State Recreational Forest is a mountain biking playground with miles of heart-pumping trails, including plenty of rides with fun and fast downhill sections. Though Pisgah National Forest is often touted as the place to go for trails with more rigor, it also has trails that will make you feel the wind in your face.
Stacey Wiedrich, Director of Engagement with mountain biking stewardship organization Pisgah Area SORBA (PAS), is well-versed in the many trails that crisscross the forests of Brevard. She recommends the Butter Gap Trail in Pisgah for a technical downhill ride. This one doesn’t just have pretty views of the forest, it also takes riders along the scenic Grogan Creek and past the 150-foot-tall Daniel Ridge Falls.
Just 12 miles to the south in Cedar Mountain, DuPont State Recreational Forest is an outdoor adventurer’s playground with nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails. While visiting this area, many locals agree that the Ridgeline Trail is an absolute must-ride, with some going as far as to say that it’s the best ride in the area. The descent is fast and flowy, and technicality is kept to a minimum. It’s a 6-mile loop, making it an ideal pick for a quick ride in the morning or afternoon. When you’re done with your ride, visit the quaint nearby community of Cedar Mountain—whether you’re looking for a bike shop, restaurant, taproom, art, or even moonshine, Cedar Mountain has what you need for a fun pit stop.
Another downhill in DuPont that deserves a mention is the Turkey Knob Trail. It’s fun, smooth, and fast, making a 300-ft descent in just over a mile. The trail twists through the trees with a few high-speed berms. If you’ve got that friend who wants to try mountain biking for the first time but doesn’t know where to start, this is a great trail to take them on.
Best technical MTB trails near Brevard
Many of the most beloved technical trails near Brevard are in Pisgah National Forest. “Pisgah is a truly special place to access trails and outdoor recreation,” said Stacey from PAS. “There is so much variety in the trail experience, as well as the opportunity to create a full experience with camping, great restaurants, and community cycling events like WNC Bike Fest.”
Part of that variety in Pisgah comes in the form of rugged terrain, remote trails, challenging climbs, and incredible mountain and waterfall views.
Possibly the most legendary ride in Pisgah National Forest is the Black Mountain Trail. For many mountain bikers in the area, completing this 8.4-miler deserves a badge of honor. It’s technically demanding with steep climbs and a long descent, but it is endlessly rewarding. Riders who brave this trail are treated to some stunning mountain views along the way.
The Avery Creek Trail in Pisgah National Forest is another technical ride that you’ll want to break out the full suspension for. The terrain offers a lot of variety, with rock drops, eroded ruts, switchbacks, and the occasional water bar. After navigating the rockier parts of this trail near the top, you’ll enjoy a more intermediate ride as you descend.
Here’s a local tip when riding in the area: the Bracken Mountain Preserve connects Downtown Brevard to Pisgah National Forest, so it’s easy to go straight from the trail into town after a ride to reward yourself with incredible food and a well-earned beverage.
And don’t overlook DuPont when searching for technical rides. Though it’s a popular destination among many user groups, the forest has trails that are enjoyable even for seasoned riders. For a truly unique ride, check out the Cedar Rock Trail. This one will take you along stretches of exposed rock that give way to expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
Bikepacking and gravel biking trails near Brevard
Miles of forest service roads in Pisgah National Forest make for great gravel riding, whether you’re looking for a day ride or a multi-day bikepacking trip. Stacey from PAS, who has numerous nights of bikepacking under her belt, notes that it’s an amazing area to explore. She says that “Pisgah is the ultimate spot for bikepackers, offering great access to water, dispersed camping, and simple shelters ready for the taking.”
For an accessible overnighter, the Looking Glass Loop is an awesome trail for a bikepacking getaway. The trail is accessed straight from Downtown Brevard and offers up some stellar views of Looking Glass Rock and beautiful waterfalls along the way. It’s a perfect trip for that remote, forested feeling just outside of town.
A more challenging bikepacking ride with some of the very best that Pisgah has to offer is The Real Pisgah Loop. This is a multi-day ride that’s ideal for seasoned bikepackers who want something challenging and rewarding. Along this trail, there are several beautiful viewscapes, forested terrain, mountain ecology, and a few swimming holes.
Gravel bikers will also have a fun time riding in Pisgah National Forest. Several great forest roads traverse the forest, making it easy to customize a trip to your preferred length. A few of these roads that are worth checking out include Cathey’s Creek Road, Avery Creek Road, and Yellow Gap Road.
Trail etiquette tips
You can help make everyone’s trip to Brevard even better by following trail etiquette guidelines. Many of our trails, especially in DuPont State Recreational Forest, are multi-use trails shared with hikers and equestrians, so they have designated ride directions. Remember to yield to hikers and horseback riders, control your speed, and look around curves. Check the designated ride direction of your intended route before heading out.
In Transylvania County, mountain bike trails weave through our public lands, up to summits, and beside towering waterfalls. Be mindful of your impact in the area and Leave it Better so that these lands remain pristine for future generations. And, we ask all outdoor adventurers to Be Waterfall Wise when exploring the cascades in the area. Admire the beauty. Be aware of the danger.
Explore Brevard
Brevard is an authentic mountain town with outdoors and mountain biking baked into its culture. In the area, you’ll find several bike shops that double as taprooms, so you can talk trails over a local brew with knowledgeable riders who know the area well. Pro tip: For a better chance at getting the trails to yourself, make your trip a long weekend or extend your stay into the midweek when you’ll also likely find lower rates while booking your trip.
Thanks to Stacey from Pisgah Area SORBA for contributing her time and expert opinion in refining this list of must-do trails. PAS is a chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). SORBA’s mission is to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development for all mountain bikers.
Discover some of the very best that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer in Brevard, North Carolina. Plan a trip today for some of the best rides of your life! Head to ExploreBrevard.com to learn more.
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