Biking

Biking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of North Carolina’s national forests. Whether you enjoy a peaceful ride along forest roads or a thrilling adventure on mountain biking trails, there’s something for everyone.

Bikes are allowed on most forest roads and on designated bike trails. Some trails are shared with hikers or horses, so be sure to ride with care and yield appropriately. Always stay on designated routes and follow local signs and rules to help protect the forest and keep trails safe for all users.

Looking for a more exciting ride? Several areas offer challenging mountain biking trails with scenic views, climbs, and switchbacks.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are only allowed where motor vehicles are permitted. Please check Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) to see where you can ride.

Remember to wear a helmet, carry water, and enjoy the ride!

E-Biking

E-bikes, or electric bicycles, have motors and are considered motor vehicles by the U.S. Forest Service. They include both pedal-assist and throttle-powered types. E-bikes are only allowed on roads and trails that are open to motor vehicles. These areas are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM), which you can get at Ranger District offices or online: MVUM Maps.

E-bikes are not allowed on trails where motor vehicles are not allowed. This rule applies to everyone to make sure the land stays protected, and the rules are fair for all users. Special permission is not given for e-bike use, even for people with disabilities, in these areas.

Mobility Devices: Devices like electric wheelchairs that are made to help people with disabilities move around are allowed anywhere foot travel is allowed. These are different from e-bikes and are not considered motor vehicles.

Mountain Biking

North Carolina’s national forests offer more than 300 miles of bike trails. Forest roads are also open for mountain biking, unless otherwise signed.

Near Hiwassee Lake: At Hanging Dog Recreation Area on the Tusquitee Ranger District, there are 7.2 miles of intersecting loops. The trails start near the boat launch with great Hiwassee Lake views.

Near Hayesville: Tracing the edges of Lake Chatuge, Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails features 14 miles of challenging trail located only a 1/2 mile from Jackrabbit Mountain Campground and day-use area.

Near Hot Springs: Mountain bikers can ride on three trails in Appalachian District’s Hot Springs area. The 3.6-mile Mill Ridge Trail’s (area is unavailable) four miles of old roadbed.

Near Bryson City: Tsali Recreation Area’s challenging single-track trails overlook Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains. Each day, half of the 42 designated trail miles are open to bikes, and the other half are open to horses. Users can pay a daily fee at trailhead. An annual pass is available at Cheoah District and two vendors. Visit the passes and permits page for more information.

Near Brevard and Asheville: The Pisgah District’s trails systems offer many loop opportunities or places for solitude. Some popular biking areas: Bent Creek, near Asheville; Trace Ridge, near town of Mills River; Davidson River, near Brevard; and South Mills River, near town of Pisgah Forest.

Uwharrie National Forest: In the Piedmont area, Wood Run’s mountain bike trails are popular. Twenty-two miles of trails that run over rolling hills and meander through pine and hardwood forests make the Wood Run Trails a perfect mountain biking getaway. These easy to challenging trails are located off NC 24/27 between Albemarle and Troy in the Uwharrie National Forest. Wood Run is two miles east of the bridge over Lake Tillery and the Pee Dee River.

Road Cycling

Whether it's road cycling or mountain biking, the National Forests in North Carolina offer a diversity of riding opportunities. Forest roads are open for cycling, unless otherwise signed.