Bent Creek

Bent Creek: The Beating Heart of Asheville's Mountain Biking Scene

Bent Creek, undoubtedly Asheville's most popular mountain biking destination, has earned its fame for a reason. Residing in the heart of North Carolina, this trail system offers everything from flat, beginner-friendly stretches to adrenaline-pumping descents on its mountainous ridge. And with Asheville and Brevard's strong mountain biking culture, Bent Creek doesn't just lure the locals. Bikers travel from all over the state and beyond, making it one of the busiest mountain biking trails in North Carolina.

The Two Faces of Bent Creek

Bent Creek is split into two distinct sections:

• The Flatter Terrains: For those just getting into the sport or looking for a gentle ride, the areas near Lake Powhatan offer beginner-friendly singletrack and doubletrack trails. Noteworthy segments in this section include Deerfield Loop, Explorer Loop, Homestead, Lower Sidehill Trail, and Pinetree Loop.
• The Ridge: For those seeking a challenge, head straight to the ridge. Green's Lick stands out as the trail's crown jewel—a downhill rush filled with jumps, berms, rock gardens, and technical rock features. It's an uninterrupted flow from start to finish, guaranteed to leave you breathless by the end. Other commendable trails on the ridge include Ingles Field Gap and Wolf Branch.

Biker Insights

Diverse opinions from numerous riders paint a vivid picture of what to expect:

• Green's Lick offers a "bone rattling experience" with its fast, rocky sections, and opportunities for air. The consensus? It's unmissable.
• While the trail system offers challenges for all, it sees heavy foot traffic. Patience might be required when encountering pedestrians.
• The trails closer to Lake Powhatan, like Deer Loop, offer a smoother experience with multiple rollers in a row. Some riders, however, wish for more berms to enhance the experience.
• Parking can get challenging, especially on weekends. Arriving early or on weekdays might alleviate this issue.

Practical Information

• Distance: 30 mi
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• City: Asheville
• State: North Carolina

Getting There: To reach Bent Creek, drive on Hwy. 191 south of Asheville, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. Options include going through the Arboretum and taking a left or using Bent Creek Ranch Rd. About 1/4 mile from Lake Powhatan, the congregation of mountain bikers will be hard to miss.

Parting Words

For optimal enjoyment:

• Respect other trail users.
• Come prepared for climbs, especially if aiming for Green's Lick.
• Check trail conditions, especially after rain.
• Consider the season. While the trails are accessible year-round, some sections can become particularly challenging after heavy rains or in peak summer heat.

Happy trails! 🚵‍♂️🚵‍♀️