Bike loop from Cherokee Mountain

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding touring cycling experience, the Bike loop from Cherokee Mountain delivers. This difficult 13.2-mile (21.2 km) route packs in 1860 feet (567 metres) of climbing, taking roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for experienced touring cyclists who appreciate technical terrain and stunning mountain vistas.

What to expect on Bike loop from Cherokee Mountain

This loop primarily utilizes the renowned Fire Mountain Trails, a multi-use system celebrated for its world-class design. As you ride, expect a dynamic journey through diverse terrain. You'll encounter exhilarating flowy sections with berms, but also challenging rock gardens and significant elevation changes. The network blends single-track with wider paths, offering both smooth, fast stretches and more technical, rooty, and rocky areas. Throughout your ride, you'll be treated to breathtaking mountain scenery and sweeping views, all set against the lush forest backdrop adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. This route demands a good fitness level and confident bike handling skills.

Planning your visit

The Fire Mountain Trails are a major highlight for cycling in Cherokee, NC, and are free to ride, open every day, with no advance reservations required. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Oconaluftee Indian Village, making it easy to find. If you're seeking a different kind of ride, the surrounding back roads, including sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, offer excellent opportunities for road or gravel cycling with plenty of climbs and scenic views of the ancestral Cherokee homelands.

Trail details

• Distance: 13.2 miles (21.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 1860 feet (567 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 15 minutes