Photo of Gravel Riding Trails in North Carolina

The Best Gravel Riding Trails in North Carolina

Explore Gravel Riding Trails

Top 21 gravel riding trails in North Carolina

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1

American Tobacco Trail

Moderate
22.16 mi·
537 ft
The American Tobacco Trail is a 22.6-mile rail-trail that runs through three counties in North Carolina: Durham, Chatham, and Wake. The trail follows the former railroad corridor of the American Tobacco Company, which was built in the 1970s and abandoned in the 1980s....
2

Bent Creek / Arboretum Gravel Tour

Moderate
18.03 mi·
1,698 ft
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....
3

Webb Cove -> Elk Mountain Loop

Moderate
19.17 mi·
2,246 ft
This loop is a local favorite and mostly paved, but has just enough gravel to warrant some wider tires. If you're confident with your handling, a burly 700x28 may suffice, but a 700x32 is probably a better place to start....
4

Point Lookout -> Mill Creek

Moderate
9.44 mi·
1,001 ft
This half-gravel, half-greenway loop is a great alternative when the [Kitsuma Loop](https://fatmap.com/routeid/44033/Kitsuma_Loop) is too muddy, snowy, or wet. Though Pisgah is renowned as an all-seasons destination, Kitsuma is composed heavily of clay and is one of the worst options to ride during or immediately after wet weather....
5

Avery Creek -> Headwaters Gravel Loop

Moderate
23.34 mi·
2,060 ft
If you're looking for a gravel ride around Brevard or Pisgah Forest, look no further. A local favorite, this route begins at [The Hub & Pisgah Tavern](https://www.thehubpisgah.com/), though there are plenty of options for parking along US-276, Avery Creek Road, or even at the Fish Hatchery....
6

Neverending Road

Moderate
24.92 mi·
2,102 ft
Locals refer to this as "Neverending Road," though its official number designation is FS-5097. It's a great option for a long, quiet out-and-back gravel grind or as an overnight bikepacking trip....
7

Davidson River -> Catheys Creek Gravel Loop

Easy
29.81 mi·
2,288 ft
This half-gravel, half-pavement loop is a favorite among locals and is relatively easy compared to many of the gravel rides in the Pisgah Ranger District. It includes two optional side trips to popular waterfalls (written, not mapped), and passes another massive waterfall along Cathey's Creek Road....
8

Maple Sally -> Brown Mountain Beach Gravel Loop

Moderate
36.39 mi·
3,585 ft
Located in the Grandfather District of Pisgah National Forest, this is *the* must-do gravel loop if you're looking for an adventure. It can be done as a day trip or turned into an overnight bikepacking trip if that's more your style....
9

Big Ivy Road to Douglas Falls

Moderate
16.83 mi·
2,406 ft
Though this is a simple out-and-back gravel grind, this route is nothing short of epic. Starting at the Big Ivy Trailhead, this ride is 100% gravel, full of roadside waterfalls, and ends at the trailhead for Douglas Falls....
10

Grandfather Long Gravel Tour

Moderate
52.36 mi·
4,822 ft
This route is one of the best long gravel tours you'll find in the Grandfather District. It's more or less uphill for the first half, then hits its high point along the Blue Ridge Parkway just below Grandfather Mountain....
11

Two Gorges Gravel Loop

Moderate
72.37 mi·
6,887 ft
The Two Gorges Gravel Loop is considered by many to be the most epic bikepacking and gravel loop in the region. Possible as both a day or overnight trip, this 75-mile route is no easy feat, but offers "incredible scenery, plenty of camping opportunities, and a speedy 20-mile descent," according to local athlete Logan Watts....
12

Curtis Creek -> BRP Loop

Moderate
79.95 mi·
8,623 ft
Asheville-based bike shop [Motion Makers](https://www.motionmakers.com/about/local-routes-asheville-pg214.htm) considers this loop a local favorite and perfect for any "strong rider who wants a serious 70+ mile loop starting in Asheville." Much of this route is paved, including the entire stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but Curtis Creek offers a screaming fast descent down a quiet gravel road closed to traffic during the winter and early spring....
13

Curtis Creek -> Buck Creek Loop

Moderate
35.35 mi·
3,667 ft
Other than an out-and-back, this is *the* best way to form a loop with Curtis Creek Road. Closed to traffic during parts of the winter and early spring, this gravel climb is rather steep, and lower gearing is a **must**, unless you prefer hiking your bike instead....
14

NC-197 -> Paint Fork Gravel Loop

Moderate
47.9 mi·
3,670 ft
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....
15

Hot Springs Gravel Loop

Moderate
26.13 mi·
3,296 ft
Hot Springs, North Carolina is an outdoorsman's paradise, offering plenty of world-class kayaking, rugged mountain biking, part of the Appalachian Trail, and of course - endless miles of gravel road! This loop is one of the best around, showcasing the beauty of the French Broad River before rewarding mountaintop views from Rich Mountain Fire Tower at nearly 3,700'! Even better, there are only a few miles of pavement—the rest is well-maintained gravel....
16

Harmon Den -> Max Patch Gravel Grind

Moderate
15.54 mi·
2,483 ft
To Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the views from Max Patch are some of the best you can find anywhere on the 2,200-mile trail. Starting at an exit on I-40, this gravel bike ride loops around the summit and is great as a day trip or overnight bikepacking trip....
17

Lake Junaluska -> Max Patch Epic Gravel Grind

Moderate
72.97 mi·
9,326 ft
To Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the views from Max Patch are some of the best you will find anywhere on the 2,200-mile trail. Starting at Lake Junaluska near Waynesville, this ride explores a mixture of paved and gravel roads and is perfect as a day trip or overnight bikepacking trip....
18

Yellow Gap -> BRP Gravel Loop

Moderate
33.64 mi·
3,919 ft
Yellow Gap Road (FS-1206) in the Pisgah Ranger District offers one of the best gravel riding experiences you can find around Asheville or Brevard. While many opt for an out-and-back from Mills River or 276, this loop links the well-maintained gravel road with one of the most stunning sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP)....
19

Curtis Creek -> South Toe Gravel Loop

25.74 mi·
4,223 ft
A quick look at the elevation profile for this loop, and you'll quickly understand why this route has been rated as *severe*. Unless you prefer hiking your bike to riding it, low gearing is a **must** to ride this loop....
20

Avery Creek -> Headwaters -> Bracken Gravel Loop

Moderate
33.76 mi·
3,547 ft
This route is a local spin on the traditional [Avery Creek/Headwaters Loop](https://fatmap.com/routeid/764103/avery-creekheadwaters-gravel-loop/@35.2930866,-82.8063056,21400.6993010,-90,0.5795625,916.6639695,normal). As mapped, you begin with a couple of miles of road, then remain on gravel or doubletrack up until Bracken Preserve....
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