People come to Asheville from all over for its mountain biking experiences. With its diverse terrain, scenic vistas, and well-maintained trails, Asheville provides tons of biking opportunities for riders of all skill levels and abilities.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker seeking thrilling downhill descents or a casual cyclist looking for leisurely rides through picturesque landscapes, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re wondering where to hit the trails, I’ve compiled a list of 14 of the best places to go mountain biking in Asheville, NC. So, grab your bike and helmet and get outdoors!

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The 14 Best Places to Go Mountain Biking in Asheville

1. Bent Creek Experimental Forest

For intermediate to advanced Asheville mountain biking, Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers over 30 miles of singletrack trails with varying difficulty levels, including technical sections and fast descents. Approximately 15 minutes from Asheville, bikers love Bent Creek for its stunning scenery, well-marked trails, and challenging but rewarding terrain.

2. DuPont State Recreational Forest

DuPont State Recreational Forest offers over 80 miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. About 45 minutes from Asheville, DuPont provides a convenient biking destination with scenic waterfalls, smooth trails, and gentle climbs.

With a diverse range of trails, from easy gravel paths to technical singletracks, there’s something for everyone. It’s important to note that some trails may be closed during wet conditions to maintain the integrity of the terrain, so make sure to check the weather before you go! 

3. Pisgah National Forest

With hundreds of miles of biking trails in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, you can’t go wrong with the epic mountain scenery, challenging backcountry, and adrenaline-pumping descents.

Most of Pisgah National Forest’s biking trails are within an hour’s drive of Asheville, providing steep climbs, technical switchbacks, and rugged terrain. Therefore, many of the biking trails are more suitable for advanced riders. Additionally, some trails may have seasonal closures, so don’t forget to check specifics before you go!

4. Tsali Recreation Area

Approximately 2 hours from Asheville, Tsali Recreation Area is worth the drive. With over 40 miles of mountain biking trails, Tsali offers flowing singletrack terrain and scenic views of Fontana Lake.

Designed for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers, cycling adventurists go for the well-maintained trails and stay for the stunning water vistas. Before you go, it’s important to check out the schedule, as bicyclists and equestrians are assigned alternating trails on different days.

5. Beech Mountain Resort

About 2.5 hours from Asheville, Beech Mountain Resort is perfect for mountain bikers of all ages and riding levels. With a lift service that takes you to a variety of downhill trails offering assorted terrain, bikers can enjoy over 12 miles of tracks with thrilling declines through striking alpine forests.

Lift tickets are required for downhill biking, but I’d wager it’s worth the cost of not having to pedal yourself uphill! 

6. Kolo Bike Park

Kolo Bike Park offers a variety of mountain bike trails suitable for riders of all levels, making it an ideal destination for families and beginners wanting to do some Asheville mountain biking.

The park’s well-designed pathways and progressive features provide ample opportunity for skill development and fun. Just minutes from downtown Asheville, Kolo Bike Park is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Fridays through Sundays, weather permitting. There is also an admission fee, so make sure to check out the website for further details before heading out. 

7. Kitsuma Trail

About 35 minutes from downtown Asheville, Kitsuma Trail provides an advanced mountain biking experience with extraordinary views from the summit, impelling terrain, and fast, flowing descents.

The trail dumps out after about 4.5 miles at the Old Fort Picnic Area. You can either head back there for a 9-mile round-trip adventure or plan to park one car at each location for an easier ride.

If you plan to do the latter, make sure to start at Kitsuma Trail for steep inclines in the beginning, followed by miles of downhill fun. Parking can be limited, so plan accordingly. 

8. DuPont Ridgeline Trail

Often considered an all-time favorite for Asheville mountain biking enthusiasts, the DuPont Ridgeline offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, a smooth singletrack, and a variety of loops that require more speed control than pedaling.

Considered the “crown jewel” of DuPont Forest, intermediate mountain bikers won’t want to miss out on this memorable trail just 45 minutes from Asheville. 

9. Spencer Gap-Trace Ridge Loop

Spencer Gap-Trace Ridge Loop offers an intermediate to advanced mountain biking experience approximately 30 minutes from Asheville. With about 10 miles of round-trip trails, riders will encounter fast descents, tight switchbacks, and rocky terrain.

The loop offers a rewarding balance of uphill and downhill, making it a favorite among intermediate to advanced riders seeking a memorable mountain biking adventure. Some sections of the trail may be closed during wet conditions or for maintenance, so make sure to check online before you go. 

10. Fonta Flora State Trail

When complete, the Fonta Flora State Trail will be approximately 100 miles long, connecting Asheville to Morganton, NC. Currently, there are over 25 miles of biking trails to enjoy through a mix of gravel and singletrack lanes along scenic Lake James.

Mountain bikers love the beginner to intermediate-level Fonta Flora State Trail for its lakeside views, diverse terrain, and leisurely tracks through beautiful scenery.

11. Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area

Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area offers beginner to intermediate mountain biking with rolling terrain and picturesque views of Lake Chatuge. Approximately 2 hours from Asheville, Jackrabbit provides a 15-mile stacked loop system in a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. The well-maintained trails and tranquil lake setting are likely to keep you coming back for more! 

12. Green River Game Lands

Approximately one hour from Asheville, Green River Game Lands features intermediate to advanced mountain biking options through remote wilderness and challenging terrain. Epic views of the Green River Gorge attract adventurous riders to over 25 miles of trails through steep climbs and technical descents. It’s important to note that some trails may be closed during hunting season, so make sure to check before you go. 

13. Wilson Creek Area

Wilson Creek Area services remote, backland mountain biking trails with sheer ascension and demanding drops. About 1.5 hours from Asheville, Wilson Creek Area offers over 20 miles of biking trails geared toward intermediate and advanced riders.

Its secluded wilderness setting makes for challenging terrain with the payoff of stunning hidden waterfalls. Some trails may be closed during particularly wet conditions, so make sure to check the weather and local guidelines. 

14. Big Ivy Area

Known by locals as “Coleman Boundary,” Big Ivy Area is a popular mountain biking favorite for intermediate to advanced riders. About 45 minutes from Asheville with over 30 miles of biking trails, cyclists love Big Ivy for its rocky, lush, and forested trails, making for a challenging backcountry ride. With peaks at over 6,000 feet, prepare to be stunned by cascading views along the old logging paths. 

There you have it! The 14 best places to go mountain biking in Asheville. What’s your favorite mountain biking spot? Let us know in the comments.

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