[Full Trucker]

Heads up to @jstuhlman @AngryMetalsmith @Dirtrider and any other TN/NC/southeasterly folks... Teh Spousal Unit™ and I are headed that way in the first half of October. We're leaving around Sept 29th, first stop is Indiana to visit family and then heading south to Chattanooga via Windrock to visit a good buddy who used to live here. We'll spend a day in Nooga, then head to "Pisgah" for ~4 days spanning a weekend to ride. We'll be in our van and my buddy will have his as well, so we're fairly mobile. We'll want to mix up the rides between super tough/gnar/etc. and more mellow stuff. What are the recommendations for the best rides in the area? From scanning this thread, what I am seeing is:

• Black Mountain/Bennet Gap (is this the same as Clawhammer to Upper Black, down Avery and then down Bennett?)
• Grandfather District/Wilson Creek area
• Spencer>Trace

My buddy in Chattavegas corroborates Black Mountain, Avery and Bennett. Thinks lower Black Mountain would totally go for the wife, and the reroute up top might go for her as well since it eliminated a bunch of "Pisgah jank". He's also saying Ridgeline in Dupont is a good one, and North Mills River.

Also @rideit since you've ridden some of this stuff in Pisgah as well as Greens and Fooses off the Crest, please expound upon the similarities and differences thereof. Planning on riding Greens and Fooses with Teh Spousal Unit™ this summer, knowing how they compare might better set expectations and provide additional data points by which she may make appropriate trail choice decisions.

Lastly, yeah for sure of course I (we) would love to hook up with any of you fools that would be down for a ride o la cerveza o porque no los dos. We can sort that out closer to when we'll be in the area, which looks to be the second weekend of October.

 

[canadmos]

Ridgeline in Dupont is fun and very easy, its a nice long'ish flow trail from the top of a hill right back to the car pretty much. Most of Dupont is on the easier side compared to Pisgah, but still fun. And not as much climbing. Watch out for horses if you see trailers in the parking lot.

If you end up going to Dupont though, I'd suggest checking out the other side of the forest and riding Burnt Mountain Trail, Cedar Rock and Big Rock trail. You could do it all in one day... Burnt Mountain has one tech section and the two Rock trails are pretty much just giant huge rock slabs, my girlfriend had fun on those, even in the pissing rain.

Sounds like a good trip!

Just checked out the ride log from my last time down Black and wow, its changed so much -https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/10415929/

The top of Black Mountain has some amazing views in a few spots, but there are a few hike-a-bike spots to get there. Definitely worth it.

 

[jonKranked]

paging @jackalope

 

[Full Trucker]

Sounds like a good trip!

Thanks for the reccos and yeah, I'm stoked on this trip. After Pisgah/Dupont/NC we'll be back in Nooga for a day or so to decompress and drink whiskey, then we'll hit Bentonville, AR for a couple of days on our way back towards CO. Probably stop and ride a bit at Switchgrass in KS to break up the drive, and because it's there so why not?

 

[rideit]

You will have a great time wherever you go. As far as tech, there was only one section on Bennett that was a gripper for me (but I did clean it first time). I didn’t think anything on Upper Black or Avery would be too far above Mrs. S.’ capabilities. The Crest stuff is much rocker, all told, more actual dirt/soil composition in Pisgah. All told, I had a wonderful time, and would go back in a heartbeat.

 

[6thElement]

I think your S will do fine. My S and I rode there in 2015 and I dragged her on to all the good stuff.

I'll add a suggestion between Chat and Pisgah, go ride at Tsali for some fun, fast swoopy lakeside stuff. Ease into Pisgah with a ride at Dupont (we demand a picture from Big Rock trail). Then go hit some of Pisgah proper.

Davidson River Campground was always my go to for trips down there.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Weeeee Pisgah. If my thru hike falls through then I’d be down for a meet up.

 

[kidwoo]

As far as tech, there was only one section on Bennett that was a gripper for me (but I did clean it first time).

did you stomp1 it without dabbing5?

10 words you need to know on the trails

Be prepared for your first trip to the trail centre or bike park by studying the unique lingo of mountain bikers.

www.redbull.com

 

[Full Trucker]

did you stomp1 it without dabbing5?

10 words you need to know on the trails

Be prepared for your first trip to the trail centre or bike park by studying the unique lingo of mountain bikers.

www.redbull.com

This ain't 1992, Jack. Clearly he sent and/or shredded it, and it was rowdy AF.

JTFC, mountain bikers are terrible.

 

[canadmos]

Will be interesting to hear about Arkansas too. Theres so much trail in Bentonville...

I think @Dirtrider rode Mount Nebo down there recently and it looked pretty interesting as well. They had some cool rock pictures.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/monument-trails-at-mount-nebo-state-park-30319

 

[kidwoo]

This ain't 1992

but it is rideit, who I think is a fine fine ambassador of the early 90s, as we all lived it, he was there bro, and he buys rocky mountain xc bikes which is proof that some things never change

that list is posted by redbull, not only a satisfying energy drink but the current modern authority on extreme sports. They even invented a few out of their own ass they're so extreme.

 

[jackalope]

Sounds like you have the basics covered when it comes to Brevard area Pisgah. Avery got reworked a few years ago, but its still rocky AF and its still kind of a PITA to get to. Bennett is still grand fun, but some of the ledges have some sizeable holes behind them now. Haven't done full Black in years, but the top part (after the shitty hike-a-bike) apparently has been spruced up, as has "middle Black" (its more or less a flow trail now, but pretty fun IMO). Lower black is pretty rough now if you're going mach 29er, and it beats the fuck out of my hands, but thats largely because I have old man bitch hands now and the last part of middle Black is high speed, chunky hand destruction no matter what kind of fork dampenings you have.

A good North Mills route is full Spencer to dirt road to full Fletcher. Plenty of chances to depart your mortal coil if you're bringing serious Monkey pace. There's also some bandit trails near there that offer some Pemberton type steep stuff, but they're kinda hard to find. I also have some weird routes that mix in some fun, but less "Do Not Resuscitate" danger sections. PM me if you want moar info on those items.

@jstuhlman is the man when it comes to Wilsons and where to acquire meth in Burke County.

Kanuga is a fun bike park kinda near DuPont, but its really set up for e-bikes if you want to get a good number of laps in. But really fun trails IMO.

Finally, Sugar Mountain (near Boone) opens back up for 2 weekends in October, so consider that an option if you want lift access and some fun ways to destroy your wheels.

Will join you if I can swing it with my familial overlords.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I’d like to add to @jackalope’s excellent suggestions for Pisgah; Squirrel Gap for a true backcountry epic. Any combination using that trail will not disappoint.

 

[kidwoo]

@jstuhlman is the man when it comes to .......where to acquire meth in Burke County.

Hey FT, you got room in the back? I speak hick so I can serve as a translator for you guys when you get there.

 

[rideit]

did you stomp1 it without dabbing5?

10 words you need to know on the trails

Be prepared for your first trip to the trail centre or bike park by studying the unique lingo of mountain bikers.

www.redbull.com

Lol, thanks for the chuckle. I guess my point is that it can’t be that hard!




slow pitch

 

[kidwoo]

Lol, thanks for the chuckle. I guess my point is that it can’t be that hard!

ooh, you must have genuinely cleaned it without dabbing

 

[rideit]

I nose wheelied it, bruh

 

[Full Trucker]

There's also some bandit trails near there that offer some Pemberton type steep stuff, but they're kinda hard to find. I also have some weird routes that mix in some fun, but less "Do Not Resuscitate" danger sections. PM me if you want moar info on those items.

I'll definitely shoot you a PM when closer to the trip and we start finalizing ride plans. Do want Pemberton type steep stuff, particularly if they are shorter and could be shuttled for some good "second ride of the day" options.

Will join you if I can swing it with my familial overlords.

This would be awesome.

 

[jstuhlman]

everybody else's recommendations are spot on. good on you for being interested in the other pisgah (grandfather district). can definitely show you around there. it's a bit more "back country" but it's LE BEST. happy to show you around or suggest routes closer to when you come. definitely worth two days. there are a few spots you could park and camp easily, and there ar a few towns within 30 minutes with good food, breweries, etc (morganton or blowing rock or boone).

@canadmos and @rideit have both been and can provide context compared to the part of pisgah near brevard. another easy loop option if your wife doesn't like crazy steep or rugged would be the kitsuma loop near black mountain.

 

[rideit]

Dat taco/salsa joint in Morganton shouldn't be missed.

 

[velocipedist]

Cloudland Canyon to St Elmo (southern Chattanooga) and back for a solid 65miles 95% singletrack.

I live in Alabama now, but often head up to Chattanooga for riding shenanegins.

Feel free to hit me up, lots of options in that area.

 

[jstuhlman]

Dat taco/salsa joint in Morganton shouldn't be missed.

LAS SALSAS. for the salsa bar and 40oz dos equis alone...also in that town are catawba and fonta flora breweries...
@canadmos knows too...

 

[Full Trucker]

...breweries...

You had my curiosity, but now you have my intredast.

 

[rideit]

Or your Pintredast, if you will.

 

[Full Trucker]

 

[canadmos]

Dammit @jstuhlman now i want salsa bar.


can confirm, its good.

 

[jstuhlman]

You had my curiosity, but now you have my intredast.

well there are a few around grandfather district, as mentioned....but many more near brevard and ashevegas...

 

[sunringlerider]

I’ll throw my 2 cents in. Depending on your plans heading south from Greentown I would stop and check out Bakers Creek in Knoxville. You could spend a day there or and hour. Lots of fun trails there.
Squirrel gap is ok, but imo depending on how you try to loop the trail it can get a little hairy.
Trace Ridge is a quick and fun trail to do, depending on your speed it can be chill or rowdy.
How many days will you be in/around greentown?

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Keep me posted regarding dates of your Pisgah visit. I ain't going to be able to keep up with you, but may ride with you some, spend some time socializing.

 

[Dirtrider]

I can definitely take you on a Pisgah loop or two. And if you go through Arkansas, Mt. Nebo IMHO is better than Bentonville. Less mileage, but it actually has tech and elevation. There is a nice campground at the top of the mountain where you can ride right from camp. I enjoyed it way more than Bentonville.

 

[rideit]

Keep me posted regarding dates of your Pisgah visit. I ain't going to be able to keep up with you, but may ride with you some, spend some time socializing.

FT don’t care none about that, JBP, you will have a blast riding with him.

 

[Full Trucker]

Holy... well kids it looks like we leave for this trip a week from tomorrow. Rough itinerary is depart CO on the evening of Thursday the 29th and arrive in Indiana on Saturday. We'll spend a couple days there before heading south. Arriving in Chattanooga (if planets align with a stop at Windrock on the way) on Tues 10/4 or Wed 10/5. Plan is to be in NC sometime on Thur 10/6 and stay through at least Mon 10/10 and possibly through to Tues 10/11.

We have a campsite reserved at North Mills River from Thursday evening through Sunday, so we'll be looking for a place (or places) to camp Sunday and possibly Monday nights.

We're still a bit fuzzy on what we're gonna ride and when... but all the ride suggestions have been awesome and I've stuck them all in a spreadsheet for consideration and figuring out. I know I'd like to try and ride some of the out-of-the-way stuff so I'll probably ping some people via PM to get some more details.

Additionally we'll be traveling with good friends from Chattanooga, and another good old buddy of mine from Atlanta is coming up for an undisclosed portion of the time. Which means to say... I'm feeling a bit tapped out with regards to meeting up with any of y'all since we'll be with people we haven't seen in forever already. But if it does work out to meet up that would be groovy as well.

 

[jonKranked]

drink all the moonshine

 

[canadmos]

Have fun!

There are a whole bunch of free camping sites in Pisgah, but first come first serve type of thing. I always saw lots of folks parking their vans along the river too.


There is this spot too, is it already reserved? Its basically at the bottom of Black Mountain/Avery/Bennet and close enough to bike to the bike shop and brewery.

White Pine Group Camp Site · Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

★★★★★ · Campground

www.google.ca

 

[Full Trucker]

Have fun!

I don't think that will be a problem, and thanks!

There are a whole bunch of free camping sites in Pisgah, but first come first serve type of thing. I always saw lots of folks parking their vans along the river too.

This is good to know. Our friends from Chattanooga have said there are dispersed/free sites around, but there aren't as many as out west and they tend to get taken up really quickly. We might opt to look for some free sites on Sunday or Monday, but we wanted a guaranteed spot for the weekend.

There is this spot too, is it already reserved? Its basically at the bottom of Black Mountain/Avery/Bennet and close enough to bike to the bike shop and brewery.

White Pine Group Camp Site · Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

★★★★★ · Campground

www.google.ca

I know that Davidson CG (just down the road from this one) is booked, and I just looked for White Pine and it appears to also be reserved for most of the days we're there.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

I don't think that will be a problem, and thanks!


This is good to know. Our friends from Chattanooga have said there are dispersed/free sites around, but there aren't as many as out west and they tend to get taken up really quickly. We might opt to look for some free sites on Sunday or Monday, but we wanted a guaranteed spot for the weekend.


I know that Davidson CG (just down the road from this one) is booked, and I just looked for White Pine and it appears to also be reserved for most of the days we're there.

Too bad, Davidson is nice, except when it floods...

 

[6thElement]

Too bad, Davidson is nice, except when it floods...

The racoons stole my can of Pringles many years ago there

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Holy... well kids it looks like we leave for this trip a week from tomorrow. Rough itinerary is depart CO on the evening of Thursday the 29th and arrive in Indiana on Saturday. We'll spend a couple days there before heading south. Arriving in Chattanooga (if planets align with a stop at Windrock on the way) on Tues 10/4 or Wed 10/5. Plan is to be in NC sometime on Thur 10/6 and stay through at least Mon 10/10 and possibly through to Tues 10/11.

We have a campsite reserved at North Mills River from Thursday evening through Sunday, so we'll be looking for a place (or places) to camp Sunday and possibly Monday nights.

We're still a bit fuzzy on what we're gonna ride and when... but all the ride suggestions have been awesome and I've stuck them all in a spreadsheet for consideration and figuring out. I know I'd like to try and ride some of the out-of-the-way stuff so I'll probably ping some people via PM to get some more details.

Additionally we'll be traveling with good friends from Chattanooga, and another good old buddy of mine from Atlanta is coming up for an undisclosed portion of the time. Which means to say... I'm feeling a bit tapped out with regards to meeting up with any of y'all since we'll be with people we haven't seen in forever already. But if it does work out to meet up that would be groovy as well.

I'd like to join you, but V's coming to stay for a week, so can't.

 

[jstuhlman]

if you want to explore "the other pisgah" sun/mon i can suggest some potential spots to park yoself and camp. (and hopefully show you around for a day). they are first come first serve, but there are a variety.

one thing you might want to do is download the avenza maps app and then get the pisgah ranger district and pisgah grandfather district east and west maps. if you're riding without a local guide they're great in that most trails are on them and they always show you where you are even without cell service. there's probably one for dupont too.

 

[Dirtrider]

The whole road (FS 5000/Wash Creek Rd) has free dispersed sites which is right by the NMR campground and not far to move camp too (like 5 minutes). Most of the MR loops start off this road, including some fun, do not talk about, trails. I’d love to meet up and show y’all some loops. I’m about 15 minutes from NMR campground. A good loop I’ve taken people on is a shuttle off the parkway>Pilot Rock>YG Road>Horse Camp> SMR>Upper Black>Avery Creek>Bennett Gap. It’s a nice mix of some of the top trails. It’s a pretty big day with lots of tech which has several bailout points if needed and showcases both NMR and the Brevard side of Pisgah.

I think someone mentioned DuPont above. As of last week Ridgeline and a few of the other best trails over there were closed for work for several weeks. Not sure if they are reopened yet.