USFS National Forest System Trails · North Carolina · Updated June 2026
Can You Mountain Bike in National Forests in North Carolina, North Carolina?
Yes — National Forests in North Carolina in North Carolina has 445 mi of bike-designated National Forest System trail across 207 segments, typically open Year-round, according to official USFS travel-management data.
445 mi
Bike-designated
207 segments
2,074 mi
Total NFS trail
700 segments
Year-round
Bike season
USFS managed-use
14
ADA-accessible
trail segments
21% of this forest's mapped trail is bike-designated. USFS records trail grade (steepness), not technical MTB difficulty — we surface grade where present but do not infer a black/blue/green rating.
Bike-designated trails in National Forests in North Carolina
| Trail | Miles | Surface | Bike season |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Mills River | 14.16 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Wilson Ridge | 12.22 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Tsali Right Loop | 10.76 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Woods Mountain | 9.99 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Tsali Left Loop | 9.14 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Wayehutta Loop | 8.93 | Native Material | — |
| Black Mountain | 8.44 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Squirrel Gap | 7.94 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Laurel Mountain | 6.99 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Dave Thompson Loop | 6.73 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Keyauwee | 6.44 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Buckhorn Gap | 6.33 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Mouse Branch Loop | 6.3 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Yancey Ridge | 6.17 | Native Material | Year-round |
| Powerline Road | 5.99 | Native Material | Year-round |
Frequently asked questions
- How many miles of mountain bike trail are in National Forests in North Carolina?
- National Forests in North Carolina has about 445 mi of bike-designated trail across 207 segments, out of 2,074 mi of total National Forest System trail.
- Are e-bikes allowed in National Forests in North Carolina?
- Only where designated — on Forest Service land e-bikes are motor vehicles. Class 1 e-bikes are recorded on 43 segments here.
- What is the mountain-bike season in National Forests in North Carolina (North Carolina)?
- Most bike-designated trails carry a Year-round season in USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later.