Mountain Biking Adventures in McDowell County, NC
While visiting McDowell County, ensure you take advantage of the incredible biking opportunities available. If you enjoy riding through the woods, the Pisgah National Forest in the Old Fort area is one of the top mountain biking destinations in the country. Whether you're a beginner or a skilled rider, there's no shortage of singletrack trails and old logging roads to keep your wheels turning.
Mountain Biking in Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. From easy rides for beginners to challenging trails for seasoned bikers, you’ll find plenty of options to explore.
Cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, with its famous 469 miles of picturesque views, attracts cyclists worldwide. It challenges riders with ever-changing weather conditions and long stretches between inhabited areas. This journey is not for novices, but with practice on the trails in McDowell County, you can build the skills needed to tackle it.
Safety First
Remember to keep safety in mind while riding. Wear helmets, carry bear bells and whistles for noise, and be aware of weather changes that could affect your ride. Bike with friends or let someone know your whereabouts, and most importantly, have FUN!
Categories
Explore More
Star Gap Trail
The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area.
Lake James State Park
At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.…
Young's Ridge
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3,165…
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
MTB Skills Factory
At MTB Skills Factory we offer mountain bike skills lessons, guided rides, and adventure experiences across Western North Carolina. Whether…
Copper Ridge Trail
A new section of the Fonta Flora State Trail is open, Copper Ridge Trail, located outside downtown Old Fort, NC.…
Heartbreak Ridge
Avid bikers will love Heartbreak Ridge, an exciting two-mile bike trail that begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and descends 2,000 feet!
Woods Mountain Trail
Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail!
Lower Heartbreak Ridge
This trail was completed but was recently damaged by Helene. It is temporarily closed for rebuilding.The Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail…
Curtis Creek Campground
Curtis Creek Campground is open May-October for tent or RV camping in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest! The grounds include hiking trails and a waterfall.
Old Fort Gateway Trail System
The Old Fort Gateway Trail System offers user-friendly trails in Pisgah National Forest allow hikers, bikers, and trail runners to do endless loops in an ever-expanding trail system.
Peavine Trail
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.…
Betsy Ridge
3160 Ft./9 Mile Trail. Black Mountains view, meets Little Buck Creek Trail ending at Woods Mountain Trail. US 221 North,…
Lake James State Park - Visitor Center
"Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Two park…
Foothills Watershed
Foothills Watershed is a 117-acre family riverside hangout and bike park situated on the headwaters of the Catawba River in…
North Cove Disc Golf and Leisure Club
North Cove Disc Golf & Social Club is 157 acres of awesome rolling hills situated in a rural valley, framed…