Trails Near Asheville, NC

[ChsTremor]

You’re right to be concerned about the elevation, “flatlanders” tend to struggle a bit. For the most part the trails up there are also not gravel bike friendly. But there lots of forest roads that are plenty fun.

Just to give you an idea of elevation you can expect per mile, here is one gravel ride and one MTB race:

If you do ride on forest roads, stay far on your side of the road in corners and be very aware of cars/motorcycles not doing the same.
Have had a few close calls and had a buddy recently get sideswiped by another motorcycle on forest roads.

 

[Cranbery]

Thanks for the heads up bros. I plan to push the gravel bike, mine is set up tubeless with 35mm tires so i can do a majority of the moderate MTB trails that aren't super technical imo. I also plan to rent an MTB for a day to be able to enjoy that as well.

Unfortunately an MTB in Miami is such a waste that I'd never really get to use it for what it's for, so that's why I got a gravel. When I move up to the smoky mountains area in the next few years im buying an MTB first week there.

 

[Stoaks]

Given that info, I highly recommend the left and right loops at Tsali, so check to see what days they are open to bikes, go early morning and then head to the Natahala outdoor center for lunch, then go back that evening and ride the other loop. That's the best ride you will find in my opinion.

^ This.

Also consider the two loops are basically a circle with a line through the center. I think if you combine the two (just the perimeter of the circle) it's ~ 18, whereas one of the loops itself is ~ 14, and the other is ~ 12. Look at the map and you'll see what I'm talking about. Then decide how you want to take it apart.

 

[Stoaks]

You’re right to be concerned about the elevation, “flatlanders” tend to struggle a bit. For the most part the trails up there are also not gravel bike friendly. But there lots of forest roads that are plenty fun.

Just to give you an idea of elevation you can expect per mile, here is one gravel ride and one MTB race:

This tracks with my experience as well. Not a gravel guy but 100 ft/mile vertical is about average for trail rides. Climby rides can be 150+.

 

[Stoaks]

Thanks for the heads up bros. I plan to push the gravel bike, mine is set up tubeless with 35mm tires so i can do a majority of the moderate MTB trails that aren't super technical imo. I also plan to rent an MTB for a day to be able to enjoy that as well.

Unfortunately an MTB in Miami is such a waste that I'd never really get to use it for what it's for, so that's why I got a gravel. When I move up to the smoky mountains area in the next few years im buying an MTB first week there.

Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp - Ellijay, GA

A rustic haven with cabins and campsites, home cooked meals, craft beer and shuttles to trailheads. Enjoy singletrack, gravel, bikepacking, hiking, trail running, swimming holes and more! #justbringyourgear #ridethepinhoti #mulberrygap

www.mulberrygap.com

Just gonna leave that right there for you, brother. Mountain and gravel paradise as far as I'm concerned. Single track and forest roads all day long. Everything about this place is top notch. About an hour from me so give me a shout should any of you make it up that way.