+ 3
Big Ivy: Walker Creek DH
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
6.29 mi
1,301 ft
A fast and flowing descent in Big Ivy loaded with optional kickers.
Lesser visited than much of Pisgah National Forest, Big Ivy is home to a surprisingly extensive network of trails. While not everything is open to mountain biking, both Walker Creek and Staire Creek make this one of the top rides for locals.
Just a short drive from Barnardsville, the trailhead lies along the Big Ivy Road before the first Forest Service gate. A small gravel lot serves as the main parking area, and several pull-offs along the road make for alternatives.
Begin the ride by climbing up Big Ivy Road. Only open seasonally to vehicles, it is the only way to access the downhills by bike. In the summer months, shuttling becomes a possibility. When the gate is open, multiple campsites along the road also make for great overnight opportunities.
Despite being a gravel road, the climb is relentless. Several steep pitches line the way as the road parallels a stream before turning to hug the elevation contours on its way up. The climb passes by several picturesque waterfalls which serve as great opportunities to cool off on a hot, muggy summer day. After a brief descent along "the wall," you'll reach the Walker Creek trailhead.
Walker Creek feels like something that was pulled straight out of a bike park and placed in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Fast and flowing, the path is often wide with plenty of optional kickers or jumps along the way. A couple of sharp turns will test your cornering, and the relentless rocks will put your suspension through the wringer.
After the incredibly fast and bone chattering descent, the trail merges into Walker Creek. Some maps refer to this portion as (lower) Stair Creek, but the trailhead sign officially denotes it as Walker Creek.
The lower portion of the descent is open and rocky, with one major creek crossing that will require you to dismount. Know that after a recent rain, high waters may require you to get your feet wet. After dumping out onto a gravel road, take a right to return to the trailhead.
Written by Brendon Voelker
Lesser visited than much of Pisgah National Forest, Big Ivy is home to a surprisingly extensive network of trails. While not everything is open to mountain biking, both Walker Creek and Staire Creek make this one of the top rides for locals.
Just a short drive from Barnardsville, the trailhead lies along the Big Ivy Road before the first Forest Service gate. A small gravel lot serves as the main parking area, and several pull-offs along the road make for alternatives.
Begin the ride by climbing up Big Ivy Road. Only open seasonally to vehicles, it is the only way to access the downhills by bike. In the summer months, shuttling becomes a possibility. When the gate is open, multiple campsites along the road also make for great overnight opportunities.
Despite being a gravel road, the climb is relentless. Several steep pitches line the way as the road parallels a stream before turning to hug the elevation contours on its way up. The climb passes by several picturesque waterfalls which serve as great opportunities to cool off on a hot, muggy summer day. After a brief descent along "the wall," you'll reach the Walker Creek trailhead.
Walker Creek feels like something that was pulled straight out of a bike park and placed in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Fast and flowing, the path is often wide with plenty of optional kickers or jumps along the way. A couple of sharp turns will test your cornering, and the relentless rocks will put your suspension through the wringer.
After the incredibly fast and bone chattering descent, the trail merges into Walker Creek. Some maps refer to this portion as (lower) Stair Creek, but the trailhead sign officially denotes it as Walker Creek.
The lower portion of the descent is open and rocky, with one major creek crossing that will require you to dismount. Know that after a recent rain, high waters may require you to get your feet wet. After dumping out onto a gravel road, take a right to return to the trailhead.
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walker creek lap | 5.72 mi | -1,099 ft | -0.0% |
| The Wall | 1.57 mi | 676 ft | 8.2% |
| Climb to Walker DH | 3.97 mi | 1,125 ft | 5.4% |
| Old Ranger Road Climb | 2.03 mi | 942 ft | 8.7% |
| You Rule: Shuttle Rebuttal & Scuttle | 1.55 mi | 709 ft | 8.6% |
| Save yr kom's & top-10's by croppin-n-splittin yr shuttles | 0.62 mi | 285 ft | 8.6% |
| Walker Creek/Stair Creek DH* | 1.73 mi | -1,079 ft | -11.7% |
| Walker Creek DH* | 1.37 mi | -912 ft | -12.6% |
| Walker to Cult Parking | 1.80 mi | -1,106 ft | -11.6% |
| Walker to Main Rd | 2.32 mi | -1,168 ft | -9.4% |
| Mountain Light Sanctuary to P Lot | 0.40 mi | -52 ft | -2.5% |