The Pisgah National Forest is home to densely wooded slopes, waterfalls that drop hundreds of feet, and mountains that reach into the sky. On its more than half a million acres, the Pisgah National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including a hardwood forest, waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and miles and miles of hiking paths. The original land grant that authorized the establishment of national forests in the East United States—the Weeks Act of 1911—is located in this particular national forest. At the historic Cradle of Forestry in America location, you can see the original American school of forestry. The region also has two of the first eastern wilderness areas. Located along the eastern side of the mountains in western North Carolina, the Pisgah, Grandfather, and Appalachian Ranger Districts provide tourists with several outdoor leisure possibilities and the chance to appreciate the majesty of the mountains.
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Pisgah MTB Trails
Tucked deep in the heart of Western North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, the Pisgah Ranger District is a rugged playground for serious mountain bikers. Spanning Transylvania, Buncombe, and Haywood counties, this legendary trail zone serves up a heavy dose of roots, rocks, and raw descents that attract riders from all over. Pisgah’s rep is well-earned—it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave backcountry gnar, long climbs, and rowdy drops.
The trails here are as diverse as they are thrilling. The Black Mountain Trail kicks off with a leg-burning grind before dropping into a high-speed descent filled with tech and twist. This one’s got everything from off-camber roots to a few chunky sections that’ll keep your suspension working overtime. If you’re into tech, Bennett Gap Trail is a must—tight switchbacks, exposed ridgelines, and a few sketchy moments where picking the right line can make or break your flow. Want to session a bit of everything? Avery Creek Trail delivers roots, slick rock rolls, fast creek crossings, and enough chunder to keep things interesting.
And don’t forget: elevation is real out here. Many of Pisgah’s best rides start with long, punchy climbs—some earning over 1,500 feet in one go. Whether you’re grinding up fire roads or spinning up singletrack, expect to work for those descents. But the payoff? Worth it. Think hero dirt, natural kickers, and the kind of backcountry exposure that puts you deep in the zone.
Whether you’re threading tight singletrack or bombing through mossy hollows, Pisgah delivers a full-on sensory overload. Trails snake through lush hardwood forests, past waterfalls and boulder-strewn ridgelines, and every turn feels like a little slice of Blue Ridge magic. This is a place where your kit gets muddy, your suspension gets a workout, and you end the day with a tired smile and a story to tell.
The Hub has the ideal rental bike waiting for you. Located in the center of Brevard, we provide a comprehensive inventory of rental bikes customized to every adventure seeker.
Notable MTB Trails in Pisgah Ranger District
Black Mountain Trail – A classic Pisgah test piece. Steep climbs, technical rock sections, and a long, rowdy descent that puts your suspension—and skills—to work.
Bennett Gap Trail – Tight, fast, and wild. Expect exposed ridgelines, chunky switchbacks, and a real sense of backcountry adventure.
Avery Creek Trail – A spicy blend of roots, creek crossings, and flowy sections. Great for riders who want variety packed into a single run.
Green’s Lick Trail – High-speed fun with jumps, berms, and smooth lines. Part of the Bent Creek network, but a favorite for a reason.
Kitsuma Trail – A loop-worthy ride with punchy climbs and a fast, switchback-laced descent. Classic Pisgah terrain.
Ingles Field Gap Loop – A solid sampler of Pisgah’s riding. Expect rock features, short tech sections, and lots of opportunities to find your line.
These routes are only recommendations; ultimately, you’ve got to ride what fits your style. Every rider finds their own flow, and Pisgah’s got enough variety to match whatever that looks like. You should visit Carolina North Forrest if you’re looking for a more casual ride.
Top 5 Pisgah Trailheads Every Mountain Biker Should Know
Pisgah National Forest MTB Trailheads (Brevard Zone)
Each of these trailheads gives you direct access to Pisgah’s legendary singletrack. Parking is available nearby each one, but exact locations can vary—check trail maps ahead of time to figure out the best launch point for your ride.
Davidson River Trailhead
Location: Near the Pisgah Ranger Station, off US-276 in Pisgah Forest, NC Coordinates: 35.2814° N, 82.7285° W
Popular Trails Accessed:
North Slope Trail – 3.7 mi
Estatoe Trail – 2.7 mi
Sycamore Cove Trail – 1.9 mi
Maxwell Cove Trail – 1.4 mi
Lower Black Mountain – 2.3 mi
Middle Black Mountain – 2.6 mi
Upper Black Mountain – 1.9 mi
Black Mountain Trail (full) – 6.8 mi
Clawhammer Road – 3.2 mi
Bennett Gap Trail – 2.9 mi
Avery Creek Trail – 4.5 mi
Daniel Ridge Loop – 4.2 mi
Buckhorn Gap Trail – 2.6 mi
Farlow Gap Trail – 3.3 mi
Mills River Trailhead
Location: North Mills River Recreation Area, 5289 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, NC Coordinates: 35.4097° N, 82.6358° W
Popular Trails Accessed:
Trace Ridge Trail
Fletcher Creek Trail
Spencer Branch Trail
Bear Branch Trail
Middle Fork Trail
Wash Creek Trail
Connects to Avery Creek, Clawhammer, and more via forest roads
Black Mountain Trailhead
Location: Forest Service Road 5050, Pisgah Forest, NC Coordinates: 35.2819° N, 82.7283° W
Popular Trails Accessed:
Black Mountain Trail (Lower, Middle, Upper)
Thrift Cove Trail
Grassy Road Trail
Sycamore Cove Trail
Maxwell Cove Trail
Connections to Bennett Gap, Avery Creek, and Clawhammer Road
Please note that trail conditions and access can change due to weather or maintenance. It’s advisable to check with the local ranger station or official forest service resources for the most current information before planning your visit.
Pisgah National Forest Campground
Camping in Pisgah isn’t just a way to stay close to the trails—it’s part of the ride culture. Whether you’re looking for full hookups, a shady tent site, or a quiet forest pull-off for the van, Pisgah’s got a setup for every kind of rider.
Popular camping options include:
Davidson River Campground – The go-to for mountain bikers. Ride-in access to trails like North Slope, Sycamore Cove, and Black Mountain. Flush toilets, hot showers, fire rings, and both tent and RV sites.
North Mills River Campground – Quieter forest setting with access to Trace Ridge and Fletcher Creek trails. Basic amenities and great creekside sites.
Lake Powhatan Campground – Closer to the Bent Creek trail system. More developed campground with electric hookups, modern bathhouses, and a small lake for post-ride dips.
Dispersed Camping (FS Roads 475, 1206, and 5000) – For those who like it wild. No facilities—just you, your gear, and the forest. Free and first-come, first-served. Be ready to pack in water and pack out everything else.
Pisgah’s wild, rowdy magic doesn’t maintain itself. Behind every clean line, rebuilt berm, and armored rock garden is a crew of riders who care deeply about keeping this place shreddable. That’s where Pisgah Area SORBA comes in.
They’re the boots in the dirt—organizing dig days, reroutes, erosion fixes, and new trail projects across the entire Pisgah Ranger District. If you’ve ever bombed down Black Mountain or sessioned a rooty switchback without clipping a rogue stump, you’ve got them to thank.
Want to give back? Support the local trails with your time, your tools, or your wallet:
Join a trail day. Donate. Spread the word. Because when the trail rides dialed, everybody wins.
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