Ive cycled most of these routes, or plan to!
I hope to add more routes to this, so stay tuned. FYI you DO NOT need to sign up for Komoot in order to view these or download the GPX file.
I post many of my cycling and related images to my instagram profile: @engle.douglas
Hendersonville to Brevard, avoiding big climbs.
Until the Ecusta Rail Trail is built, the only way to go between these two towns safely is on backroads. This route passes a lake, a river and ends in the picturesque town of Brevard. A Highlight is the River Road section which follows the French Broad River. Be careful on the stretch on Crab Creek Rd., which is officially an NC bike route, but which has loads of traffic. Return to Hendersonville the same way.
Hendersonville Big Loop.
Not for beginners. Start at Orr’s Family Restaurant, head northeast to World’s Edge, where there is a spectacular view of the piedmont region. From there you must officially 🙂 walk your bike for 2 miles down the mountain path until there’s a road again. Pass Lake Adger, then follow the beautiful Green River until a massive zig zag climb back up the mountain to Saluda. From Saluda take 176, which can be busy with traffic, about 5 miles back to starting point.
Asheville Mountains Loop
Start in downtown Asheville, climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the view, then descend back into town.
BIG Asheville Loop.
A variation on the preceding route. Includes downtown, massive climbs and descents. Mountain views, river views, and the River Arts District too. It’s a good way to see the highlights of the city.
Saluda – Columbus Loop
Start in beautiful Saluda, head down the windy zig zag to Columbus, NC, then make your way back up the mountain. You can add Tryon, NC to this route as well.
2 States, 3 counties Loop
Start in Saluda, NC, head down the mountain then back up.
North Mills River Campground Loop
You can begin anywhere on this route, but The North Mills River Campground is a good starting point. Head up, up, up on a dirt road until US route 276, turn onto the Blue Ridge parkway and head back down. Keep your eyes out for the turn from the Parkway back onto a dirt road, at Bent Creek Gap. The only services on this route are at the Mt. Pisgah visitor center, so take enough food and water.
Lake Summit Loop
This is currently about as close as you can get to being an easy bike trail in Henderson County. The dirt road around Lake Summit is relatively flat, has minimal traffic and great views of the lake. My recommendation is to do this in a clock-wise direction, in order to do the 1 mile segment on highway US176 on a descent. The Tuxedo Park is a good place to start, as it has plenty of parking and easy car access to highway US25. If you feel like cycling about 10 miles more, another loop on Green River Rd. and Bobs Creek Rd. can be attached to it
Lake James Loop
This is a pleasant loop route just east of Asheville, NC, which involves some nice country roads. Users can also opt to ride on some dirt trails instead of the paved road. The segment on the southern part of this loop follows the levy. A good starting/ending point is the Fonta Flora Brewery – Whippoorwill Farm.
Bearwallow Mountain Loop – Includes a small hike to the peak
This loop isn’t so long, but has a big climb involved. Also, a small hike to the top of Bearwallow Mountain, which offers great views of the area. Park and lock your bike at the trailhead. A good place to start and end this loop is the Liberty Church.
Douglas Engle 