The sport of mountain biking combines adrenaline pumping activity with physical and mental challenges that, depending on the trail you choose, are not for the faint of heart. But anyone who has experienced flying down a rugged trail at top speed or conquered a near-impossible climb has brandished a child-like grin and a sense of accomplishment that’s nothing short of “awesome.” Want to feel the rush? We know the best spots for mountain biking near Asheville, NC.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with Our Guided Mountain Biking Tours
There are so many wonderful places to go here in Western North Carolina that it can be difficult to choose where to go. The first thing to consider is how far away you are willing to travel to get there. Here are a few of our favorite trails that aren’t too far away.
Bent Creek Mountain Biking – Head to Bent Creek Experimental Forest and enjoy their trails. They have about 30 miles of trails that are perfect for just about any rider. Expert mountain bikers will love their more technical sections while beginners will enjoy the scenery and the gentle slopes.
DuPont Forest – This area is a local favorite for their gorgeous waterfalls and fun trails. There are many to choose from since the area spans around 10,000 acres. DuPont Forest is open every day, and there is no admission fee. We suggest going early and on a weekday if you want to beat the crowds. Also, consider packing some snacks and drinks. There are many charming places to stop off and rest.
Mountain Biking Near Asheville on Paved Roads
Point Lookout Greenway Bike Trail – This area is perfect as it sits tucked away from traffic. It is the former U.S. Hwy 70, which runs through the Pisgah Forest. The trail is 3.6 miles, and while it is a smooth ride, it isn’t effortless. It climbs about 900 feet from start to finish.
Blue Ridge Parkway – If you can believe it, you can bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. When you think about this area, you think of driving it, but nothing can beat seeing those sights from a bike. Since it is an area open to cars as well, be sure to understand all of the safety precautions before heading out.
Mountain Bike Rentals Near Asheville, NC
Bringing your own bike along can be a hassle. Check out some of these local bike rental shops. They’ll be happy to set you up with everything you need for a fun biking adventure!
Kolo Bike Park in Asheville, NC – They have everything that you would need to rent a mountain bike. They have mountain bikes as well as city bikes great for paved roads. Rocky Mountain Bikes makes all of their mountain bikes, and you can find any info you need like prices, bike models, and more on their site. Plan on spending a little time at the park to try out their 4 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails and features on rolling terrain.
Beer City Bicycles – The staff at Beer City Bicycles thinks that there is nothing better than enjoying a thrilling bike ride and having a local craft beer afterward. The latter is not hard to do, as the rental and retail shop is located in downtown Asheville, near some of the best breweries in the state!
Biking Near the Orchard Inn
Mountain Trails
Green River Game Land – This large conservation and wildlife area is about a 20-minute drive from the Orchard Inn and is home to the Green Cove Trail. There, you’ll encounter a gradual climb up the Green River Gorge, spectacular views, bridge crossings, and a couple of hike-your-bike sections.
Paved Trails
For biking enthusiasts who love a mountainous climb but prefer to ride on a paved route, Saluda has 45 miles of gorgeous, scenic paved pathways. Whether you bring your own bikes or rent them down the road, you do not want to miss the beauty of these popular biking loops. Our favorite is the Greenville Watershed Loop, which starts in downtown Saluda and extends through this untouched, beautiful area with very little traffic.
Beautiful Fall Bike Rides in NC
If you’ve ever visited Western North Carolina in autumn, you know that this season is spectacular – especially for biking. Fall bike rides in NC offer a front-row seat to our region’s stunning scenery and mild weather. Plus, there are a few fun races here in October for cyclists of all levels.
Enjoy These Fall Bike Rides in NC
For a scenic cruise that‘s great for beginners, consider a day trip to Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain. Beech Mountain is known for its winter skiing, but when the weather is warm, mountain bikers flock to the 7–mile trail system. Enjoy riding through the forest with its gnarled Beech trees, trickling streams, and panoramic vistas that stretch for miles and miles. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one!
Distance from Orchard Inn: 2 hours
Craving more of a challenge? Try mountain biking through Pisgah National Forest. There are over 245 miles of biking trails in Pisgah, and all of them offer epic views. One of the most popular systems is Bent Creek, which draws hundreds of riders every weekend. This collection of trails is suited for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers, families, and groups. There are also trails with more technical sections for advanced riders.
Distance from Orchard Inn: 45 minutes
Fall Cycling Events
Participating in a race is a thrilling experience whether you’re competitive or not! You can socialize with fellow cyclists and test your abilities, or simply enjoy a day on two wheels. The rides are usually held in the morning, and you’ll have good food and a cold beer waiting for you at the finish line.
Attend one of these cycling events when you visit North Carolina in the fall and don’t forget to book your stay with us!
- Tour de Pumpkin (Rutherfordton, NC): October
- White Squirrel Cycling Classic (Brevard, NC): October
- Gran Fondo (Summerville, SC): October
Tip: You’ll want to make your reservations well in advance – our cottages and rooms tend to book up fast during the fall season.
Cap Off Your Biking Adventure with a Stay at The Orchard Inn
Western North Carolina is a trending travel destination because of the wide range of outdoor activities. Adventure abounds whether you want to spend your getaway mountain biking in Asheville, NC, or prefer to stay on foot and explore the area’s hiking trails. Being able to get back into nature is a fantastic way to recharge your body and mind.
The next time you plan a trip to our area, consider staying with us at Orchard Inn. A stay at our lovely B&B is also a way to recharge as there are no distractions from relaxing and enjoying the scenic views. We have rooms as well as cottages for you to choose from, and each morning with us starts with a delicious and filling breakfast made by our chefs. Contact us today and begin planning your next trip to the Western North Carolina mountains.
