Mountain Biking
World-class singletrack across Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest
Pisgah Difficulty Warning
Pisgah National Forest trails are notoriously underrated. A "blue" trail here equals a black diamond elsewhere. Full-suspension bikes are required for most trails. Start at DuPont or Bracken if you're new to the area.
Pisgah National Forest
Technical, steep, rocky, rooty. The proving ground for eastern mountain biking.
Sycamore Cove
intermediateGreat intro to Pisgah singletrack. Flowy with some technical sections — a good gauge for what's ahead.
Bracken Preserve
intermediateClosest trail system to Brevard. Flowy descent with berms and jumps. Perfect warm-up or after-work ride.
Black Mountain Trail
advancedThe classic Pisgah test piece. Four distinct sections of rocky, rooty, technical singletrack. Full-suspension required.
Bennett Gap
advancedTight, fast, exposed. One of the most fun descents in Pisgah with rock gardens and root drops.
Avery Creek
advancedDeceptively hard. Starts smooth but gets increasingly technical with creek crossings and rock slabs.
Laurel Mountain / Pilot Rock
expertLong, remote ridge ride with incredible views. Committing — plan for a full day.
Squirrel Gap / Laurel Creek
advancedClassic Pisgah loop with creek crossings, technical climbing, and fast descents.
Farlow Gap
expertExpert only. 1,800 feet of descent in 3 miles. Massive rock gardens, exposure, and commitment. Walk-outs are long.
DuPont State Forest
80+ miles of more approachable singletrack with waterfalls and granite features.
Ridgeline Loop
intermediateTHE DuPont signature ride — buffed, flowy singletrack with berms and great views, way more forgiving than Pisgah.
Cedar Rock
advancedUnique granite slickrock riding — unlike anything else on the east coast. Great views from the top.
Jim Branch
intermediateFast, flowy descent with berms and small features. Often combined with Ridgeline for a full loop.
Mine Mountain
advancedShort, punchy black-diamond ride out of Fawn Lake — a quick climb, then a fast granite descent.
Big Rock
advancedGranite slickrock at Corn Mill Shoals. Advanced riding that rewards sticky tires — part of the classic slickrock circuit.
Guion Farm
moderateThe quieter side of DuPont — Stone Mountain's granite-dome views and the mellow Lake Julia loop, away from the High Falls crowds.
Bike Shops & Rentals
The Hub & Pisgah Tavern
6,000sf bike shop + beer garden right at the Pisgah entrance. THE gathering spot. Rentals, repairs, gear, and cold beer after your ride.
Sycamore Cycles
Specialized dealer and the road & gravel go-to. Full repair, rentals, and Tour de Transylvania route intel.
Squatch Bikes & Brews
Yeti, Ibis, Cannondale dealer with craft beer on tap. Chill vibes. Closed Saturdays.
The Bike Farm
Guided, fully-private Pisgah & DuPont rides — half-day to multi-day. Certified guides, Yeti demo fleet, and skills clinics.
Earth Mountain Bicycle
Trek dealer right on Main Street in downtown Brevard. Full repair and rentals, walkable to restaurants and breweries.
Pro Tips
- Download TrailForks before you go — cell coverage is spotty in the forest
- Start at DuPont to calibrate your expectations before hitting Pisgah
- Stop by The Hub for current trail conditions and beta
- E-bikes are NOT allowed in DuPont State Forest
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer — ride early