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The second longest top to bottom downhill run of the Fire Mountain system on Kessel Run, Lazy Elk and Kate's Wave.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,878' 877 m

High

2,091' 637 m

Low

74' 23 m

Up

860' 262 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Kessel Run is a downhill only trail. Do NOT try to climb this trail. Use Spearfinger or Uktena to get to the top.

Overview

This ride showcases the best downhill run Fire Mountain has to offer, Kessel Run, and adds an extra mile or so by connecting to part of Lazy Elk and all of Kate's Wave.

Description

This ride starts at the top of Fire Mountain by climbing either Uktena or Spearfinger. The Uktena climb is shorter but steeper and more technical than Spearfinger. Once you reach the top, chill out at the party patio and take in the views before starting your epic descent.

The ride starts on Kessel Run which is the right option at the intersection at the top with Uktena. At the half mile mark, the trail crosses over Fire Tower and crosses over Waya after 1.5 miles on the most iconic wooden feature, the C-shaped bridge. At around the two mile mark, the trail crosses over Lazy Elk then ends at another intersection with Lazy Elk. Take the left option on Lazy Elk and continue downhill until you get to the intersection of Tinker's Dream, Lazy Elk and Kate's Wave.

Take a second to enjoy the scenic overlook at the second party patio or just continue on down Kate's Wave until you reach the end of the ride and the lowest point of the Fire Mountain trail system in the future parking lot/trailhead.

Here is the Strava segment for this ride.

Contacts

Local Club: SORBA - Nantahala Area

Land Manager: City of Cherokee, NC

Shared By:

Vinnie Connors with improvements by Larry Conger

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 11 votes

#879

Overall
  4.8 from 11 votes
5 Star
82%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#879

Overall
18 Views Last Month
3,965 Since Jan 31, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Kessel Run to Lazy Elk to Kate's Wave - Fire Mountain Trails - Cherokee, NC - 11/11/2018
Nov 18, 2018 near Cherokee, NC
Kessel Run - Fire Mountain - Cherokee, NC - 8/20/2017
Aug 22, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
Scenic vista on Lower Tinker's Dream at Fire Mountain in Cherokee, NC.
Aug 24, 2020 near Cherokee, NC
Riding over the bridge on Kessel!
Sep 1, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
Really well constructed trails, these guys did a great job and created a wonderful asset for the WNC MTB community!
Sep 1, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
Lazy Elk - Fire Mountain Trails - Cherokee, NC
Oct 28, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
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Mar 26, 2023
Madi Rey
Sep 26, 2020
Michael Cox
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