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Mostly dirt roads, but a good singletrack finish.


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Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.2

KM

20%

Singletrack

1,954' 596 m

High

1,073' 327 m

Low

1,269' 387 m

Up

1,267' 386 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Not much singletrack on this short route, but it provides a variety of riding experiences including a nice singletrack descent and a good overall taste of Pisgah.

Need to Know

An out/back on Wilson Ridge is possible to get more mileage. See route descriptions for Loose Mtn. Road - FSR 4097 and Middle Wilson Ridge for more info. Turns and intersections are not marked consistently. Use the MTB Project mobile app or be sure to study some maps.

Description

Start this ride on Brown Mtn. Beach Rd., next to the beautiful gorge of Wilson Creek Wild & Scenic River. There are many places park on this road. This outlined route begins at one of the larger pull-offs. There are pit-toilets here, but no other facilities. The last segment of the ride, Lower Wilson Ridge, will pop you out on this road.

Head south on Brown Mtn. Beach Road. It will turn into pavement for the last bit. When this dead-ends, turn left on Adako road, also paved. Go up/over the climb you see ahead of you. Near the bottom of the hill, turn left on the first road, Murphy Place. This road is gravel, with working farms on both side of the road. After about a mile, take Maple Sally Road - FSR 187, which begins on the right. This road is mostly gravel, remote doubletrack; it will climb and descend all the way to Loose Mtn. Road - FSR 4097, which comes up on the left at a bend in the road. Begin a climb up to Wilson Ridge from this intersection on a grassy overgrown gated road. See the outline for this trail because the turns are tricky near the top.

Once on the ridge, you'll have the option of turning right and adding on mileage, or turning left, and following this outlined ride. Locating the beginning of Lower Wilson Ridge is also tricky, but once on that, the best part of the ride awaits. This trail is fast and fun Pisgah descending, with some rocky technical sections. When arriving at Brown Mountain Beach Rd. youll turn left to the start of this route.

History & Background

The roads/trails on this route have been around a long time. All of this area was prime part of Caldwell County's "Mountain Bike Mania," an event that was held here in the late 90's.

The Wilson Creek Gorge is a special area, also renowned for top-class kayaking. The river is also loaded with accessible swimming holes, but you'll need to compete with the locals for get the best spots.

Contacts

Shared By:

Paul Stahlschmidt

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#3

in Wilson Creek

#3226

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
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3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Wilson Creek

#128

in North Carolina

#3,226

Overall
18 Views Last Month
5,679 Since Jul 8, 2013
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Photos

DoubleTrack on Wilson Ridge
Jan 12, 2015 near Gamewell, NC
View from Maple Sally Road
Jul 21, 2013 near Gamewell, NC
If you're desperate, fill a bottle from a spring along Maple Sally Road.
Feb 19, 2017 near Gamewell, NC
Pisgah's Grandfather District
Jul 9, 2013 near Gamewell, NC

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All Clear 75 days ago
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