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The longest top to bottom downhill run of the Fire Mountain system on Uktena, Tinker's Dream and Kate's Wave.


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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,892' 882 m

High

2,092' 638 m

Low

59' 18 m

Up

858' 262 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This ride showcases the longest and most technical downhill run Fire Mountain has to offer, Uktena, and adds an extra mile and a half or so by connecting to part of Tinker's Dream and all of Kate's Wave. The ride starts from the top recognizing the varying difficulties to get there; Spearfinger being the easiest, Uktena next, then Fire Tower as the most difficult.

Need to Know

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

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 Uktena which is the left option at the intersection at the top with Kessel Run. After about 1.25 miles, there is an optional massive wooden drop to table with an amazing view which is one of the newest additions to the trail system. At the two-mile mark, the trail crosses over Fire Tower and after another 0.1 miles intersects with Waya at a double log skinny. Take the left option to stay on Uktena and continue for another 0.3 miles to the intersection with Tinker's Dream.

The left option takes you back to the parking lot, so take the right option on Tinker's Dream and after 0.75 miles enjoy an awesome multiple switchback berm section right before 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: strava.com/segments/19310331

Contacts

Local Club: SORBA - Nantahala Area

Land Manager: City of Cherokee, NC

Shared By:

Vinnie Connors with improvements by Larry Conger

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#2222

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#102

in North Carolina

#2,222

Overall
12 Views Last Month
2,172 Since Mar 3, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Spearfinger Trail - Fire Mountain - Cherokee, NC - 8/20/2017.
Sep 11, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
Kessel Run - Fire Mountain - Cherokee, NC - 8/20/2017
Aug 22, 2017 near Cherokee, NC
Uktena to Tinker's Dream to Kate's Wave - Fire Mountain Trails - Cherokee, NC - 11/11/2018
Nov 17, 2018 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

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 61 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 23, 2022
Anthony F
A bit on the dry conditions with fall colors appearing on trails. Great ride with beautiful weather. 5.8mi
May 18, 2019
Randy Taylor
more tech than Kessle Run. FUN
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