The best traffic-free bike rides in Haywood County

Haywood County offers a diverse range of terrain for gravel biking, from smooth forest service roads to more challenging climbs with significant elevation gains. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved sections, often winding through the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, providing varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes.

Yes, there are options for easier rides. For instance, the Gauging Station Trail – Pink Beds Loop Trail loop from South Fork Mills River is an easy route, covering about 13 km with moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for families looking for a less strenuous gravel biking experience away from traffic.

Experienced riders seeking a challenge will find several demanding routes. The Davidson River – Pisgah Ranger Station loop from Pressley Gap offers a difficult 52 km ride with over 800 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Whaleback Falls loop from Davidson River, which spans 68 km and features over 1500 meters of climbing.

Many gravel routes in Haywood County offer stunning natural beauty and viewpoints. You can expect to ride through vast expanses of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, with opportunities to see high-elevation peaks. Notable viewpoints and summits include Graveyard Fields Overlook, Black Balsam Knob, and Waterrock Knob Summit, offering expansive mountain vistas.

Absolutely. Haywood County is known for its abundant wildlife. Riding through areas like Cataloochee Valley, which is a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers excellent opportunities for elk sightings, especially during morning and evening hours. The national forests also host a variety of other animals.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Davidson River – Pisgah Ranger Station loop and the Gauging Station Trail – Pink Beds Loop Trail loop, providing convenient options for a full day's ride.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Haywood County, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. Winter riding is possible but can be challenging due to colder weather and potential snow or ice, particularly on higher mountain roads.

Parking is typically available at trailheads or designated access points for routes within the national forests and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. For example, Rosemount Road, a known gravel route, has parking available at The Orchards Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Always check specific route details for recommended parking locations.

Yes, Haywood County is actively enhancing its biking infrastructure. The Raccoon Creek Bike Park in Waynesville is a notable project, set to feature a bike pump track, skills course, and walking/biking paths, with construction beginning in Fall 2024. You can find more details on the Haywood County government website.

Haywood County's unique appeal for no-traffic gravel biking stems from its location within the Southern Appalachians, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and encompassing significant portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This provides an extensive network of quiet forest service roads and unpaved sections, offering stunning mountain vistas, diverse natural features, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, all away from heavy vehicle traffic.

Haywood County is committed to preserving its natural beauty. When gravel biking, it's crucial to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles. Stay on marked trails, pack out everything you pack in, respect wildlife, and be mindful of other trail users. This helps ensure the trails remain pristine for everyone to enjoy.