NC-197 -> Paint Fork Gravel Loop
Gravel Riding Trail
Moderate
47.9 mi
3,670 ft
A beautiful ride north of Asheville mixing quiet country roads and an unpaved state highway.
Half-gravel, half-pavement, this loop is a local favorite and a great ride no matter the time of year. It mixes quiet, paved county roads with an unpaved state highway lined with roadside waterfalls and some views. It can be ridden in either direction and accessed from several cities north of Asheville. Some riders have even tacked it onto [this loop]( near Asheville for an epic day in the saddle.
Since the main loop passes through Burnsville, this ride is mapped from a shopping center near downtown. You could also begin from Weaverville, Mars Hill, or anywhere between. There are plenty of other options in town to park, including Ingles and the downtown square. If you're planning on a post-ride brew, consider parking near [Homeplace Beer Company]( the only local brewery, and one of the best on this side of the state.
What makes this ride great is its tour of NC-197 just south of Burnsville. The route follows the state highway, or you could loop around on Bolens Creek Road. Bolens Creek also happens to be the start of the [Black Mountain Crest Trail]( the highest and arguably most epic ridgeline traverse in the east - perfect for hiking or trail running!
Between Pensacola and Barnardsville, the state highway turns to well-maintained gravel. It is open year-round to vehicles and includes countless roadside camping opportunities, plus a handful of waterfalls along the way. The gravel could be tackled on tires as narrow as 32's, but it's not unheard of to see someone on a road bike with 25's or 28's. The sweet spot is something in the mid-30's, but not too large given the mileage of the route.
If you're looking to turn this into an overnight trip, consider camping along NC-197. There are no developed campgrounds or facilities along the route, but there are several gas stations and grocery stores if you need food, water, or supplies. Written by Brendon Voelker
Half-gravel, half-pavement, this loop is a local favorite and a great ride no matter the time of year. It mixes quiet, paved county roads with an unpaved state highway lined with roadside waterfalls and some views. It can be ridden in either direction and accessed from several cities north of Asheville. Some riders have even tacked it onto [this loop]( near Asheville for an epic day in the saddle.
Since the main loop passes through Burnsville, this ride is mapped from a shopping center near downtown. You could also begin from Weaverville, Mars Hill, or anywhere between. There are plenty of other options in town to park, including Ingles and the downtown square. If you're planning on a post-ride brew, consider parking near [Homeplace Beer Company]( the only local brewery, and one of the best on this side of the state.
What makes this ride great is its tour of NC-197 just south of Burnsville. The route follows the state highway, or you could loop around on Bolens Creek Road. Bolens Creek also happens to be the start of the [Black Mountain Crest Trail]( the highest and arguably most epic ridgeline traverse in the east - perfect for hiking or trail running!
Between Pensacola and Barnardsville, the state highway turns to well-maintained gravel. It is open year-round to vehicles and includes countless roadside camping opportunities, plus a handful of waterfalls along the way. The gravel could be tackled on tires as narrow as 32's, but it's not unheard of to see someone on a road bike with 25's or 28's. The sweet spot is something in the mid-30's, but not too large given the mileage of the route.
If you're looking to turn this into an overnight trip, consider camping along NC-197. There are no developed campgrounds or facilities along the route, but there are several gas stations and grocery stores if you need food, water, or supplies. Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sthy 197 South Climb | 1.27 mi | 305 ft | 4.5% |
| N Fork Rd Climb | 5.12 mi | 1,398 ft | 5.2% |
| N Fork Rd Climb | 4.86 mi | 1,289 ft | 5.0% |
| SS Ogle Meadows Climb | 5.04 mi | 1,322 ft | 5.0% |
| 197 Bridge to Mailbox | 1.01 mi | 256 ft | 4.8% |
| Pavement to bells decent | 2.08 mi | -502 ft | -4.6% |
| Rte 2162 North | 1.50 mi | 200 ft | 2.5% |
| Paint fork to walker branch | 2.56 mi | 108 ft | 0.8% |
| Up to RR | 6.42 mi | 440 ft | 1.3% |
| State Road 1530 Climb | 1.47 mi | 269 ft | 3.4% |
| PG Sprint | 0.81 mi | 118 ft | 2.8% |
| Black Crow Rd Climb | 0.59 mi | 348 ft | 11.2% |
| Paint Gap WITHOUT THE BACKTRACKING | 0.40 mi | 289 ft | 13.7% |
| 19E Climb from Jack's Creek | 0.91 mi | 167 ft | 3.5% |