MTB Project Logo

Laurel Mountain

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.0 (27)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Pisgah National Forest
  5. South Mills River
Previous Next

“A gradual climb with some technical sections. ”

Paul Stahlschmidt
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

6.2

Miles

9.9

KM
Singletrack

4,691' 1,430 m

High

3,161' 963 m

Low

1,580' 482 m

Up

50' 15 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

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

Aug 1, 2023: Butter Gap Trail Project – Q&A

Jul 6, 2023: Announcing the Butter Gap Contractor and Field Inspector 

Jun 30, 2023: USFS Proposed Fee FAQ

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

Shared By:

Paul Stahlschmidt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 27 votes

#2

in South Mills River

#1029

Overall
  4.0 from 27 votes
5 Star
37%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
4%
Trail Rankings

#2

in South Mills River

#55

in North Carolina

#1,029

Overall
37 Views Last Month
6,914 Since Jun 10, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
23%
12%
65%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Strem crossing on Laurel
Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC
Some nice, slick roots on Laurel in the rain.
Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC
The foliage of Laurel...
Jun 13, 2013 near Mills R…, NC
Bikepacking Pisgah - Laurel Mountain to Pilot Rock.
Dec 3, 2021 near Mills R…, NC

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

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

Nearby Recommended Routes