Name: Laurel Mountain
Rating: 4.0

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Description

The most popular starting location for Laurel is from FS 1206 near Yellow Gap. From this Laurel trailhead, you can ride it as an out/back, or combine it with a loop on Pilot Rock. From 1206, Laurel is a climb that doesn't really let up, but it's gradual overall.

Some sections are steep though, and the trail passes through several named gaps. There are also many short, rocky sections throughout, but for the most part, this trail traverses the contours Laurel Mountain through some amazing groves of mature Mountain Laurel.

The mountain and trail are aptly named. The first five miles gain about 1000 ft. After about 5 or 6 miles there is a major hike-a-bike; youll know when you're there. The last mile, including this section, gains over 500 feet.

The intersection with the Laurel Mountain Connector near Turkey Spring Gap will be on the left. From here, you can continue with Pilot, or turn around and enjoy a return on Laurel downhill.

Contacts

Local Club: Pisgah Area SORBA

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District

Shared By:

Paul Stahlschmidt

Full Details

Trail Ratings

4.0 from 28 votes

#2

in South Mills River

#1055

Overall

4.0 from 28 votes

5 Star		37%
4 Star		37%
3 Star		15%
2 Star		7%
1 Star		4%

Trail Rankings

37 Views Last Month

6,914 Since Jun 10, 2013

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Photos

Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC

Some nice, slick roots on Laurel in the rain.

Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC

Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC

Bikepacking Pisgah - Laurel Mountain to Pilot Rock.

Dec 3, 2021 near Mills R…, NC

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Check-Ins

Oct 11, 2021

Scott Miller

Laurel mountain climb up to laurel mountain connector is quite eroded with many spots having significant root exposure.

Dec 29, 2020

Michael Moore

May 28, 2020

Aaron Bland

Aug 25, 2019

Kale Stevens

Mar 17, 2019

LeRoux Jooste

Dry, some mud. First time up Laurel. (Down Pilot Rock) Some very steep hike-a-bike sections & extreme technical areas. (For intermediate guys like me) 14.4mi — 3h 00m

Oct 7, 2018

Connor Woodruff

Jun 12, 2018

Lee Isenbarg

May 11, 2018

Allen Braswell

long tough climb

Feb 1, 2018

Forrest Cory

Snow at the top starting a mile before the major hike a bike all the way up - slow and painful

Oct 11, 2017

Richard Peters

Jul 4, 2017

Dan Koch

14mi

Apr 1, 2017

Todd Edwards

Oct 23, 2016

Hillary Rose Owens

Apr 23, 2016

Johnny Davis

Absolute blast. Rode with a Phil and Mr. Paul

Feb 15, 2016

Steve Leary

Oct 17, 2015

nathan bankston

FML! That was tiring. 6.2mi — 2h 00m

Jan 20, 2015

Will Niccolls

Great ride! Feels remote and has some great views from the multiple mountain gaps. Descending down Pilot Rock is amazeballs. 14mi

Apr 14, 2012

Ed Shehan

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Laurel Mountain

“A gradual climb with some technical sections. ”

6.2

9.9

4,691' 1,430 m

3,161' 963 m

1,580' 482 m

50' 15 m

5%

31%

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Know This Trail?

Dogs Unknown

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Description

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Shared By:

Trail Ratings

#2

#1055

#2

#56

#1,055

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Current Trail Conditions

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Nearby Recommended Routes

Spencer Gap -Trace Ridge Loop

Fletcher Creek

Ingles Field Gap Loop

Clawhammer Crawl

Pisgah 55.5K MTB Race

Pisgah Stage Race - Stage 2

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