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Blue Ridge Parkway

The Appalachian Mountain Range has some of the best mountain biking in the region. The backcountry biking trails of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains provide inspiring scenery and rugged mountain biking terrain. Bike riders experience a large portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains in an up close and personal way. Riding along these beautiful, peaceful mountains will surely sooth your soul. Those with a demanding and pure love of the mountain bike will enjoy the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.

The preferred time to ride through the back country is in the spring or summer. The Blue Ridge Parkway is by far the coolest place to be in the summer.

Biking during the winter season is not as popular, due to the cold driving winds or dangerous trails conditions. For those brave enough to face the cold the challenge is worth the reward. Beautiful mountain vista views with snow capped mountains make amazing views as the ridges of the mountains are contrasted by the dark green colors of the evergreen forest and the bright white snow.

Ivestor Gap Trail just off milepost 420 is an 8 mile standard out and back double track near the Shining Rock Wilderness area. It is rocky and virtually flat. The awe-inspiring vistas are what make this our number one pick. The trail meanders along a ridge a couple hundred feet below the Black Balsam Knob where the mountain and valley views to the north and west are simply magnificent. This is a relatively easy trail and a great place to bring a picnic lunch and have a lazy afternoon with the whole family.

We also recommend you take a quick detour to Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC and Bent Creek near Asheville, NC. These areas are known for having some of the best and most difficult biking trails in the region, and they are not far at all from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Off-road biking requires special equipment and clothing. Good shocks for your bicycle are important when tackling this rugged terrain. Some bikes are front shocks only (hard tails) but the preferred way to go are shocks in the front and rear. Always wear a helmet when riding your bike even when riding low speeds as the route can be challenging and sudden accidents may occur. Thunderstorms are always a possibility in the mountains, making adequate raingear a must.