The best gravel rides in Haywood County

Haywood County offers a selection of gravel biking routes that traverse its diverse mountain landscape. Currently, there are 4 curated routes available in this guide, ranging from easy to difficult, providing options for various skill levels.

Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous ride, the Gauging Station Trail – Pink Beds Loop Trail loop from South Fork Mills River is an easy option. This 13 km route offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the area.

The region experiences an 'emerald paradise' in spring and vibrant colors in the fall, making these seasons particularly scenic for gravel biking. Summer offers lush greenery, while winter can bring challenging conditions at higher elevations. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Haywood County is rich in natural beauty. Many routes will offer views of the surrounding mountains. For specific viewpoints, consider areas near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region is also known for its misty spruce-fir ridgelines and clear-running streams. While not directly on a route in this guide, nearby attractions like Graveyard Fields Overlook and Mount Pisgah Summit & Observation Area offer stunning vistas.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging Davidson River – Pisgah Ranger Station loop from Pressley Gap is a 52 km circular route.

The Cataloochee Valley, accessible via unpaved roads, is renowned for its reliable elk sightings and historic farmsteads. The broader region, including Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, is home to diverse wildlife and features like high-elevation balds and numerous waterfalls, which are common and picturesque features throughout the county.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, routes like the Pounding Mill Overlook – Mills River Valley Overlook loop from Fork River Bald offer significant climbs and distances. This particular route spans nearly 78 km with substantial elevation gain, testing your fitness and endurance.

Yes, the Raccoon Creek Bike Park is currently under construction in Waynesville, with an initial phase expected to be completed in Fall 2024. This park will feature a bike pump track, bike skills course, and walking/biking paths, further enhancing the area's cycling opportunities. You can find more information on the Haywood County website: haywoodcountync.gov.

Expect a diverse and rugged landscape. Trails often wind through misty spruce-fir ridgelines, alongside clear-running streams, and across varying elevations. Many routes utilize unpaved forest service roads and gravel paths, offering a true mountain biking experience away from paved roads.

Beyond specific routes, areas like Cove Creek Road, Rosemount Road (known for a steady, steep climb from the Blue Ridge Parkway), and Old Cataloochee Turnpike to Waterville Road are popular for their extensive gravel sections. These areas offer opportunities to explore many smaller gravel roads.

Haywood County provides a less-crowded, gravel road entrance into the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This unpaved, well-maintained road offers a scenic and rewarding gravel biking experience into the park, known for its natural beauty and wildlife.