With its abundance of singletrack mountain biking trails, remote backcountry gravel roads and beautiful paved riding options – including the Blue Ridge Parkway – Brevard and Transylvania County represent a mecca for riders of every stripe.
Transylvania County has earned a well-deserved – and worldwide – reputation for its spectacular mountain biking. Yet the county’s road and gravel cycling opportunities are just as rich, varied, and rewarding, whether you’re a beginner to the sport, a dedicated club rider or a training professional. In short, if you’re interested in the joys of two-wheel transport, there’s no better place to pedal.
Mountain Biking Nirvana
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of mountain biking in Transylvania County is the variety of terrain and challenges available to cyclists. For those seeking fast, flowy singletrack, DuPont State Recreational Forest is an ideal destination, while the rocky, rooty wonder of Pisgah National Forest is perfect for those wishing to challenge themselves. In all, there are over 300 miles of singletrack to explore between DuPont and Pisgah.
If you’re new to mountain biking in Transylvania County, stop by one of the county’s several excellent bike shops. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to help point you in the right direction based on your interests and skill level. And if you arrived without your rig, each of these shops offers high quality rental bikes.
A Hearty Helping of Rocky Road
Transylvania County is legendary for the number of miles of singletrack within its borders, but the miles of gravel roads awaiting your exploration are equally impressive. If you’re a gravel cyclist, the options are nearly endless between DuPont and Pisgah. Generally speaking, the gravel roads in DuPont are easier with less extreme grades, while Pisgah promises lots of steep ascents and descents. However, both destinations offer lots of scenic splendor – from cascading waterfalls to pristine waterways like the North and South branches of Mills River.
On the Road Again
If your cycling interests run more toward smooth tarmac, Transylvania County’s roads will not disappoint. Whether you’re interested in a challenging climb up US 276 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, or a relatively flat, easy-going spin along the French Broad River Valley, we’ve got you covered.
You can find a whole portfolio of interesting routes here. You can also reach out to organizations like the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, which offers a wide range of group rides virtually every day of the week. And because great routes don’t always stay neatly tucked inside county lines, many of these organized rides originate or include parts of Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood and Jackson County in North Carolina and parts of Upstate South Carolina.
Get Rolling
As you can see, Brevard and Transylvania County represent a cycling nirvana for every type of cyclist. Come explore our epic singletrack, ample gravel and silky tarmac. We can assure you’ll have a wheely good time. Plan your adventure at ExploreBrevard.com.
