Starting from Turkey Pen Gap, this 21-mile loop goes beyond the “expert” classification into the realm of epic Pisgah adventure. After crossing the South Mills River on a swinging bridge, the route wanders up fire road to pick up the Mullinax Trail, the first root-strewn, rutted-out technical test of the day. Regroup and check your legs at Laurel Gap at mile 4.3; from here, the trail gets tighter, the rocks get bigger, and the roots get slimier; there's no shame in opting for the Cantrell Creek bailout (at mile 5.6).
From Laurel Gap, the trail continues on a tight cross-country style downhill: rhododendron and mountain laurel will grab at your handlebars as you pump through tight passes on bench cut singletrack. The remaining 15 miles are not just technical, they're will-testing; in particular, the stretch between Laurel and Squirrel Gap is particularly slow-going.
From Squirrel Gap, your morale will be lifted on a short-but-fast descent down to the river and a manageable stretch of doubletrack (where you'll likely encounter local wildlife). The mettle-testing singletrack soon resumes though, and 9-miles of relentlessly steep climbing and descending remain. Take a break atop Clawhammer Mountain for a spectacular overlook southwest to huge granite dome of Looking Glass Rock before resuming the 6-mile return trek.
Note: Some sort of water filtration system, extra clothing, and a light are must-have items. Take note of the map waypoints and cue-sheet to stay on track. This ride is not for the faint of heart, but its guerilla flavor does make the post-ride pizza and beer at the Asheville Brewing Company all the more worth it.
-Mapped by Eric Wever, in association with S.O.R.B.A.
TO TRAILHEAD: Take I-240 W out of Asheville to I-26 E to exit 40 (passing the airport). Turn right on NC 280/New Airport Rd. In 1.4 miles, continue straight on Boylston Hwy./NC 280. Continue 9.5 miles and turn right on Turkey Pen Gap Rd. Go 1.7 miles to trailhead/parking; do not park in the horse trailer parking area.
Turkey Pen Gap Parking Lot
Location: 35.342942°, -82.659599°
Follow the gravel road past the gate down to the swinging bridge at South Mills River.
South Mills River Crossing
Location: 35.343604°, -82.665636°
Cross the swinging bridge over South Mills River then take a left turn onto South Mills River Trail.
Mullinax Trail
Location: 35.343784°, -82.667538°
Turn right onto Mullinax Trail from South Mills River Trail.
Mullinax Trail
Location: 35.347021°, -82.675424°
The root-strewn Mullinax Trail is a tough technical challenge at the beginning of the ride. © Eric Wever
Squirrel Gap Trail
Location: 35.353225°, -82.675901°
Here, the Mullinax Trail ends and runs into Squirrel Gap Trail. Continue straight ahead.
Laurel Creek Intersection
Location: 35.357651°, -82.682362°
Bear left to continue on Squirrel Gap Trail at the Laurel Creek Trail intersection.
Poundingmill Trail Intersection
Location: 35.356909°, -82.686029°
Turn right to continue on Squirrel Gap Trail at Poundingmill Trail intersection (Poundingmill is hiking only). From here, Squirrel Gap winds along contour lines on the north face of Poundingstone Mountain and Laurel Mountain on the way up to Laurel Gap.
Laurel Gap
Location: 35.362238°, -82.698603°
Given the technical difficulty of the trail, it's good to plan on regrouping often with fellow riders. Laurel Gap is a good first regrouping point. Given the remote location of the ride: anyone who's not feeling up to the big challenge ahead would do well to consider turning back or cutting the ride short on the Cantrell Creek Trail 1.3 miles ahead.
Cantrell Creek Bailout
Location: 35.367698°, -82.711992°
Continue straight on Squirrel Gap Trail. Cantrell Creek is the last bailout back to the parking lot before this ride gets really long and really hard. From here, it's approximately 5.1 miles back to the Mullinax intersection, as the trail descends along the creek and then picks up the South Mills River Trail.<p> Note: Do not take the Cantrell/South Mills River in the winter or after heavy rains.
Crossing Cantrell Creek
Location: 35.367601°, -82.711945°
Your feet will get wet. © Mike Rischitelli
Horse Cove Gap
Location: 35.353454°, -82.711589°
Continue straight on Squirrel Gap at the intersection with the Horse Cove Trail.
Swinging Bridge
Location: 35.342973°, -82.729408°
Turn right and cross the swinging bridge over South Mills River. Follow the sandy doubletrack uphill (S. Mills River Trail).
Swinging Bridge
Location: 35.342925°, -82.729282°
The second swinging bridge over South Mills River. © Eric Wever
Unmarked Trail Junction
Location: 35.348663°, -82.739910°
Continue on South Mills River Trail by staying left at this unmarked trail off the doubletrack fire road.
Buckhorn Gap Trail
Location: 35.351171°, -82.741993°
Turn left onto Buckhorn Gap Trail.
Buckhorn Gap
Location: 35.341936°, -82.751544°
Continue straight, crossing the gravel road onto Black Mountain Trail. Do not take the steps to the right. From here, the trail climbs steeply to the top of the ridge linking Clawhammer and Black Mountains. Be prepared for a mettle-testing hike-a-bike.
Up to Squirrel Gap
Location: 35.352376°, -82.718296°
© Eric Wever
Black Mountain Trail
Location: 35.337534°, -82.747994°
Even the most experienced riders won't clean all of Black Mountain Trail. © Eric Wever
Hike-a-Bike
Location: 35.336344°, -82.745161°
There are some mettle-testing hike-a-bike stretches on the climb up Clawhammer Mountain. © Eric Wever
Ridge View
Location: 35.333683°, -82.741299°
Looking southwest to Looking Glass Rock from the ridge of Clawhammer Mountain. © Eric Wever
Looking Glass Rock Overlook
Location: 35.332136°, -82.739191°
The best view of the day, look southwest for the granite dome of Looking Glass Rock.
Turkey Pen Gap Trail Junction
Location: 35.326108°, -82.733409°
Just past the summit of Black Mountain, turn left onto Turkey Pen Gap Trail for the final 5.4 miles of mostly downhill, ridgeline riding back to the trailhead. This junction marks the beginning of the end, but also one of the more remote parts of the trail. Use caution here: after a long day of riding, you'll likely be prone to mistakes.
Turkey Pen Gap Trail
Location: 35.326155°, -82.733145°
The beginning of the end. © Eric Wever
Wagon Road Gap Trail Junction
Location: 35.328500°, -82.688510°
Do not take the Wagon Road Gap Trail. It is hiking only, not a 'bailout' option. Stay straight on Turkey Pen Gap Trail to get back to the parking lot.
