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!
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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.
Camp Grier
Camp Grier is ideal for family and individual vacations! Enjoy adventures like horse riding and mountain biking on 600 acres of beautiful land in Old Fort!
Foothills Watershed
Foothills Watershed is a 117-acre bike park, food truck, brewery, and riverside hangout located just downstream from Catawba Falls. With…
Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway
The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of the…
Mountain Top Shuttles
You gotta get up to get down! Let Mountain Top Shuttle Service help you make the most of your day…
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…
Young's Ridge
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3,165…
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!
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.
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!
Lower Heartbreak Ridge
Lower Heartbreak Trail has been repaired and reopened! The repairs were completed by GeoSculpt Designs through partnerships with G5…
Bernard Mountain Trail
Spanning 3.16 miles, the Bernard Mountain Trail descends nearly 1,000 feet from the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, following…