Bust out thick-studded knobbies for this 13.5-mile counterclockwise loop, a taste of vintage Pisgah for intermediate and expert riders. From the Bradley Creek campground parking area, ride northeast on FS 1206 to warm up before the route turns onto the Laurel Mountain Trail (mile 1.3), disappearing into the forest on a buffed-out trail littered with constant root and rock gardens.
Catch your breath and regroup at Rich Gap; from here the ride continues on winding bench-cut singletrack through tunnels of rhododendron that are flat-out breathtaking in full bloom. The technical hurdles space out a bit here, but expect a bit of hike-a-biking on the first 6-miles of this ride.
The ride tops out just past Turkey Spring Gap and turns off the Laurel Mountain Trail on a connector to the Pilot Rock Trail. Tighten your chinstrap and check your equipment here: the switchback-riddled descent of Pilot Rock drops 1,500 feet in just over 2 miles and is covered with roots and rocks.
Stop at the two rock outcropping overlooks on the way down to enjoy overlooks of Pisgah National Forest (and to shake the tingling out of your hands). Keep an eye out for the rock garden near the bottom of the descent: it's rideable for experts but can eat both man and machine in an instant. At the bottom, the trail crosses Bradley Creek and synchs back up with FS 1206 for a 3.1-mile run back to the parking area.
-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. In 2.4 miles, turn right on N. Mills River Rd. Go 4.9 miles to N. Mills River Campground and continue straight on FS 1206 (gravel road). Continue 5 miles to trailhead parking at Bradley Creek. Note: You'll pass Laurel Mountain Trailhead on FS 1206 after 3.1 miles (on right). The ride starts further down the road at Laurel Creek so that it starts with a climb and ends with a descent.
