About Pisgah National Forest
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.
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.
Bike Rental
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.
Trail Heads Below
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