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This figure-eight loop with an out-and-back on Heartbreak Ridge is gonna hurt.


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Map Key

37.8

Miles

60.8

KM

45%

Singletrack

4,717' 1,438 m

High

1,407' 429 m

Low

5,762' 1,756 m

Up

5,751' 1,753 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This ride features a little bit of everything over on the Kitsuma side, while providing a longer alternative to Kitsuma.

Need to Know

Bring plenty of water and maybe a few friends.

Description

This ride heads up Old Highway 70, down Kitsuma Trail which offers a fun and challenging start to the ride. The trail heads through a gentle forest road next to Interstate 40 then quickly goes straight up. When the forest floor is somewhat dry, it's possible, but challenging, to clear all of the switchbacks on the way to Kitsuma Peak.

After another short and steep climb, you can enjoy the legendary 2.8-mile downhill towards the Old Fort picnic area. It begins with a rocky descent into a quick left-hand switchbacks. Water bars, doubles, drops and a couple of berms accent the ridiculously fast, sometimes narrow and flowy track through the forest.

Next, head up the road to Heartbreak Ridge. This climb is gonna hurt, but you'll be rewarded with a downhill but ou have to earn it first. Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. Though it is not the most technical of trails in Pisgah, there is plenty of gnar, especially when descending at speed. Expect to encounter rocky sections with shallow drops, roots, and off-camber areas with steep slopes off the sides.

Once you are back down Heartbreak Ridge, head down Jarrett Creek Road - FSR 4030 and enjoy the long way out of the woods.

Contacts

Shared By:

RJ Manoni with improvements by Christian E and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 10 votes

#1124

Overall
  4.5 from 10 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
10%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1,124

Overall
71 Views Last Month
15,612 Since Oct 20, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
14%
86%
0%

Photos

Flow riding with Singletrailer.
Oct 28, 2015 near Black M…, NC
Riding Star Pass and Heartbreak Ridge.
Nov 7, 2018 near Black M…, NC
Jerdon Mountain Challenge | Fat Bikes
Oct 2, 2020 near Black M…, NC
On the way back to the trailhead.
Aug 7, 2016 near Black M…, NC
Rock drop on Upper Heartbreak. Easier than it may appear at first glace.
Jul 4, 2017 near Black M…, NC
Kitsuma - Pisgah National Forest - Montreat, NC - 10/1/2017
Oct 7, 2017 near Black M…, NC
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Current Trail Conditions

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