Are you itching to grab your bike and hit some new trails? Mountain biking in Asheville does not disappoint! From technical, winding single-track through rhododendron and rooty, rocky terrain to wide open downhill with mountain views, there are options for every skill level and thrill seeker.
Biking Near Asheville
- Ask any local mountain biker where to go biking in Asheville and they will most certainly have Bent Creek Experimental Forest, located in the Pisgah Ranger District, on the list. The majority of the bike trails are considered "easy to moderate" for advanced riders and those that are acclimated to mountainous terrain.
- A map of the Bent Creek trail system is located here. Some popular trails in Bent Creek include the most difficult Green's Lick or easier Hard Times connector and Lake Powhatan trails.
- If you are visiting The Biltmore House while staying in Asheville, you can bring your bike and ride the 33 miles of trails that wind around the property. The Arbor Trace trail and Black Diamond trail come recommended.
- Dupont State Recreational Forest is a 10,400 acre wilderness area that has 100 miles of multi-use trails including a few exposed granite areas to ride. Cedar Rock offers an enjoyable ride.
- The Kolo Bike Park will cost you, but offers the opportunity to rent a bike and enjoy experiencing area trails.
Near Black Mountain
- Kitsuma Trail is unmatched in the Black Mountain area as a go-to spot for mountain bikers. After an intense uphill climb, you'll have an almost 3 mile downhill run that will end at the Old Fort picnic area. You can either bring two cars and shuttle back and forth or take a left on Old US 70 and take the first left onto a paved road that is closed to cars. You can follow this 5 mile moderate uphill climb back up to the Kitsuma trailhead.
- Originally carved for the Mt. Mitchell Railroad and Logging Company, the Old Toll Road offers an enjoyable uphill and then a rocky downhill dart to Montreat. To access, push up Appalachian Way (at the dead end of Appalachian Way in Montreat) and then end at on the Rainbow trail.
Need some maintenance or just want to check out a local bike shop? Try Epic Cycles in Black Mountain or Liberty Bicycles in Asheville.
