USFS National Forest System Trails · North Carolina · Updated June 2026
National Forests in North Carolina Mountain Bike Trails
National Forests in North Carolina earns a Bike Access Grade of A: 88% of its rideable trail miles are open to mountain bikes, with Class-1 e-bike access on part of the network. Excellent — most rideable trail miles are open to mountain bikes, with Class-1 e-bike access too.
National Forests in North Carolina carries 2,074 mi of mapped National Forest System trail, of which 445 mi across 207 segments is designated for mountain bikes, typically open Year-round. Class 1 e-bikes are designated on 43 segments (76.1 mi).
What the USFS data shows for National Forests in North Carolina
Of the 2,074 mi of mapped trail in National Forests in North Carolina, 21% — 445 mi across 207 bike-designated segments — is open to mountain bikes in USFS travel-management data.
Tread is overwhelmingly native dirt: USFS lists native material on 655 of 699 surfaced segments (94%).
On the USFS difficulty rating, advanced is the most common designation here — 562 of 700 rated segments (80%) — across all uses, not bikes alone.
USFS records a year-round bike season for this forest, though 3 different season windows still appear on individual segments at higher elevation.
The longest single named bike segment in the data is South Mills River at 14.16 mi on native dirt, rated advanced by USFS and open Year-round.
Class 1 e-bikes are designated on 43 segments (76.1 mi), and 14 segments carry an ADA-accessibility flag in the same dataset.
Trail surface
- Native Material655
- Asphalt18
- Imported Compacted Material10
- Crushed Aggregate Or Gravel5
- Water5
USFS trail class (1 = primitive · 5 = developed)
- Class 3456
- Class 2188
- Class 425
- Class 117
- Class 514
21% of this forest's mapped trail is bike-designated. Note: USFS records trail grade (steepness), not technical MTB difficulty — we surface grade where present but do not infer a black/blue/green rating from it.
Largest bike-designated trails
| Trail | Miles | Surface | Trail class | 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 |
| Brown Mountain 2 | 5.64 | Native Material | — | — |
| Turkey Pen Gap | 5.37 | Native Material | — | Year-round |
| Pink Beds Loop | 5.14 | Native Material | — | Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec |
| Bradley Creek | 5.09 | Native Material | — | Year-round |
| North Boundary | 4.89 | Native Material | — | Year-round |
| Brown Mountain 9 | 4.88 | Native Material | — | — |
| Brown Mountain 1a | 4.88 | Native Material | — | Apr–Dec |
| Spencer Gap | 4.8 | Native Material | — | Year-round |
| Brown Mountain 1 | 4.79 | Native Material | — | Apr–Dec |
| Big Creek | 4.73 | Native Material | — | Year-round |
Every trail in National Forests in North Carolina
All 193 ridable trails in this forest — every trail where USFS data designates mountain-bike or Class 1 e-bike use, grouped by grade-based steepness. Grade reflects slope, not technical difficulty. Each trail links to its full data profile.
Easy grade (24)
Gentle grade band (shallow average slope).
- Black Swamp Ohv3.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Imported Compacted Material · class 3
- Flat Laurel Creek3.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Laurel River3.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- River Trail3.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Central Loop3.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sneaking Creek2.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Beech Swamp2.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Loblolly Loop1.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Yotee'S Run1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Gateway1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Upper Ridge1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Loblolly1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Deer Lake Lodge1.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bracken Mountain Trail1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Nantahala River Bike Trail1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 5
- High Point1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Burnt Tree Peninsula1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Flanners Beach Campgound Loop0.8 mi · bike
Asphalt · class 5
- Foundation0.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Tanager Trail0.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Ledford Branch0.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Estatoe0.5 mi · bike
Imported Compacted Material · class 4
- Saba Beach0.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Beady0.5 mi · bike
Imported Compacted Material · class 3
Intermediate grade (16)
Moderate grade band.
- Keyauwee6.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Rabbit Ridge4.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Supertree Loop3.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Dickey Bell Ohv3.6 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Dutch John Ohv2.1 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Falls Dam Ohv2 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Rocky Mountain Ohv1.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Daniel Ohv1.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Lakeview Ohv1.7 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Gem1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Catawba View1.4 mi · bike
Unknown · class 3
- Slab Pile Ohv1.1 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wolf Den Ohv1 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Church Cove Connector1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sawmill Ohv0.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Home Trail Extension0.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
Advanced grade (153)
Steep grade band.
- South Mills River14.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wilson Ridge12.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Tsali Right Loop10.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Woods Mountain10 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Tsali Left Loop9.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wayehutta Loop8.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Black Mountain8.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Squirrel Gap7.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Laurel Mountain7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Dave Thompson Loop6.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Buckhorn Gap6.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Mouse Branch Loop6.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Yancey Ridge6.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Powerline Road6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 25.6 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Turkey Pen Gap5.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Pink Beds Loop5.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3 · Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec
- Bradley Creek5.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- North Boundary4.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 94.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 1a4.9 mi · bike + e-bike
Native Material · class 3 · Apr–Dec
- Spencer Gap4.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 14.8 mi · bike + e-bike
Native Material · class 3 · Apr–Dec
- Big Creek4.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Cat Gap Loop4.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3 · Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec
- Kitsuma4.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Farlow Gap4.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Trace Ridge4.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Slate Rock4.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- North Slope Loop4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Greentown3.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Mill Ridge3.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Heartbreak Ridge3.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Mac'S Gap3.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Point Lookout3.6 mi · bike
Asphalt · class 4
- Harris Creek Horse3.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Riverside3.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Graveyard Ridge3.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sycamore Cove3.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Avery Creek3.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Estes Mill3.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Pilot Rock3.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Explorer Loop3.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Panthertown Valley3.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Cantrell Creek3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Deep Cove3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bennett Gap2.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bernard Mountain2.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bee Cove2.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Fontana Loop2.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Butter Gap2.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Star Gap2.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Long Branch2.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Holly Springs2.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Brown Mountain 1b2.6 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Lower Sidehill2.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Fletcher Creek2.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Cove Creek2.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Camp Rock2.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Daniel Ridge2.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Buck Knob2.3 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Woodruff Ridge2.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Vineyard Gap2.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Horse Cove Gap2.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Helen'S Loop2.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 32.2 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wood Run Trail2.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Fraley Trail2.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Locust Gap2.1 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 72.1 mi · bike + e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Blackburn Trail2.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Home Trail2.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Pilot Cove2.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 102.1 mi · bike + e-bike
Native Material · class 3 · Apr–Dec
- Mouse Branch Overlook2.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Black Rock2.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Todd Trail2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Greens Lick2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Stony Knob2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Windy Gap Loop1.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Buttermilk Trail1.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Turkey Knob1.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Ingles Field Gap1.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bates Trail1.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Josh Trail1.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Megan Trail1.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Morgan Trail1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Glass Rock1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Walker Creek1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Tony Trail1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Laurel Creek1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- North Mills River1.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Rattlesnake Knob1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Burl Tree Way1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Ramsey Bend North1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Robbins Trail1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Pinetree Loop1.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Caney Bottom1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Buckwheat Knob1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 51.5 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Searcy Creek Connector1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Devils Elbow1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Lower Heartbreak Ridge1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- North Road1.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Mullinax1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Bear Pen1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Larry'S Link1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sawmill Bottoms1.4 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Greg'S Loop1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Deep Gap1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Case Camp Ridge1.4 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2 · Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec
- Great Wall1.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Sunset Connector1.3 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Hemlock Ridge1.3 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Lake Trail1.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Middle Fork1.3 mi · bike
Native Material · class 2
- Ramsey Bend Connector1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Ramsey Bend South1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 41.2 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wolf Branch1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Coon Tree Loop1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3 · Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec
- Bear Branch1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Leslie Trail1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Perkins1.2 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Deerfield Loop1.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Foster Creek1.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Indian Trail1.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Staire Creek1.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Big Rock Loop1.1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Upper Corner Rock1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Riding Ford1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Farmer Top Overlook1 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Pink Beds Connector0.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3 · Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec
- Sidehill0.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sunset Ridge0.9 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Ramsey Bend South A0.9 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 80.8 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Black Mountain0.8 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Club Gap0.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Wash Creek0.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Hardtimes Connector0.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Sleepy Gap0.8 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Brown Mountain 60.8 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Homestead0.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Boyd Branch0.7 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Upper Wayehutta Creek0.6 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Blanton Branch0.6 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
- Briar Bottom Bike0.6 mi · bike
Imported Loose Material · class 4
- Oak Hollow0.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Little Andy0.6 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Tsali Right Loop 2nd Connector0.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Berner Trail0.5 mi · bike
Native Material · class 3
- Parker Knob Connector0.5 mi · Class 1 e-bike
Native Material · class 3
National Forests in North Carolina bike-legal trail list (CSV)
Download all 193 bike- and Class 1 e-bike-designated trails in National Forests in North Carolina — name, miles, surface, grade, season, and e-bike class per trail, straight from USFS data.
E-bikes in National Forests in North Carolina
Class 1 on 43 segments · Class 2 on 43 · Class 3 on 43. See full e-bike rules for National Forests in North Carolina →
Where it is
Approximate center of National Forests in North Carolina. USFS trail geometry isn't mapped here — use the ranger district for trailheads.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the bike access grade for National Forests in North Carolina?
- National Forests in North Carolina earns a Bike Access Grade of A: 88% of its rideable trail miles are open to mountain bikes, with Class-1 e-bike access on part of the network. Excellent — most rideable trail miles are open to mountain bikes, with Class-1 e-bike access too.
- 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.
- What is the riding season in National Forests in North Carolina?
- Most bike-designated trails in National Forests in North Carolina carry a Year-round season in USFS data; higher-elevation trails clear later.
- Are e-bikes allowed in National Forests in North Carolina?
- Only where designated. Class 1 e-bikes are recorded on 43 segments. See the e-bike rules page for the class-by-class breakdown.
Where to stay near National Forests in North Carolina
Cabins, lodges, and campgrounds near National Forests in North Carolina in North Carolina — compare places to stay for a mountain-bike trip.
Top-rated places to stay near National Forests in North Carolina
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