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Bent Creek/Arboretum Gravel Tour
Gravel Riding Trail
Moderate
18.03 mi
1,698 ft
A gravel tour of Bent Creek Experimental Forest and the NC Arboretum.
Bent Creek is home to some of the most coveted trail running, mountain biking, and gravel riding in all of the Southeast. This loop is a local favorite and links up some of the best gravel roads for an excellent loop just minutes from Asheville.
Established in 1925, the goal of Bent Creek Experimental Forest was "to conduct research on forest regeneration and erosion control, and to demonstrate forest management practices," [according to the USFS]( It was originally a mere 150 acres when founded, but is now nearly 6,000 acres in total! Along this route, you'll pass several kiosks that explain different methods of logging—all are interesting reads if you're not in a rush to finish the ride.
As mapped, this route begins at the Rice Pinnacle Trailhead. You could also start at the Hardtimes trailhead less than a mile up. Vault toilets are available at both, but there is no drinking water available. The route also passes through the NC Arboretum, which has both water and restrooms available. An unpaved pull-off on the Blue Ridge Parkway can also access the loop. It's less than 5 minutes from the French Broad River Overlook.
Worth noting, you will enter and exit Arboretum through gates on the gravel road. They are locked daily, and you can view the hours [here]( If you're planning this ride outside of the Arboretum hours, consider descending Hard Times Road (aka Hardtimes) from South Ridge Road instead of continuing into the Arboretum.
This gravel loop is accessible year-round, but it's best during the spring and fall. Summer humidity can be unbearable to some, while the winter sometimes offers less than favorable riding conditions. Other than Bent Creek Gap Road and a short stretch of pavement, none of this loop is open to motor vehicles. You may however, encounter a Forest Service vehicle on occasion since portions of Bent Creek are utilized for logging and/or other types of research.
Ridden counter-clockwise, the route is as follows: Rice Pinnacle -> Ledford Branch -> Boyd Branch -> Bent Creek Gap -> South Ridge -> Hard Time -> Bent Creek Road.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
Bent Creek is home to some of the most coveted trail running, mountain biking, and gravel riding in all of the Southeast. This loop is a local favorite and links up some of the best gravel roads for an excellent loop just minutes from Asheville.
Established in 1925, the goal of Bent Creek Experimental Forest was "to conduct research on forest regeneration and erosion control, and to demonstrate forest management practices," [according to the USFS]( It was originally a mere 150 acres when founded, but is now nearly 6,000 acres in total! Along this route, you'll pass several kiosks that explain different methods of logging—all are interesting reads if you're not in a rush to finish the ride.
As mapped, this route begins at the Rice Pinnacle Trailhead. You could also start at the Hardtimes trailhead less than a mile up. Vault toilets are available at both, but there is no drinking water available. The route also passes through the NC Arboretum, which has both water and restrooms available. An unpaved pull-off on the Blue Ridge Parkway can also access the loop. It's less than 5 minutes from the French Broad River Overlook.
Worth noting, you will enter and exit Arboretum through gates on the gravel road. They are locked daily, and you can view the hours [here]( If you're planning this ride outside of the Arboretum hours, consider descending Hard Times Road (aka Hardtimes) from South Ridge Road instead of continuing into the Arboretum.
This gravel loop is accessible year-round, but it's best during the spring and fall. Summer humidity can be unbearable to some, while the winter sometimes offers less than favorable riding conditions. Other than Bent Creek Gap Road and a short stretch of pavement, none of this loop is open to motor vehicles. You may however, encounter a Forest Service vehicle on occasion since portions of Bent Creek are utilized for logging and/or other types of research.
Ridden counter-clockwise, the route is as follows: Rice Pinnacle -> Ledford Branch -> Boyd Branch -> Bent Creek Gap -> South Ridge -> Hard Time -> Bent Creek Road.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
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