Best Bike Routes in the Asheville, NC Area!

Nov 1, 2024

Explore and Immerse yourself in the beautiful region of Asheville, NC! Asheville is a unique city nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is well known for its various hiking trails, scenic drives, and, of course, biking routes. In Western NC, there is guaranteed beauty at every turn. The city of Asheville has much to offer, and there is even more to see in the magical Smoky Mountains National Park, which is less than a 3 hour drive from downtown. Given Asheville’s unique positioning, it is a destination worth visiting all year-round. The summers are
not too hot and the winters not too cold. The fall & spring in Asheville are characterized by their spectacular colors and wildlife.

Asheville is also known for its spectacular food & beer scene. Labeled as “Beer City USA,” the Asheville region is home to both the Sierra Nevada and Fat Tire breweries. Additionally, the city has been featured on various food-focused tv shows, including ones by Andrew Zimmerman and Rachel Ray. Asheville’s food scene frequently makes the press as well; restaurants in the area are not uncommonly seen on top-100 lists, like Neng Jr’s on USA Today’s Best Restaurants of 2024. We recommend coming to check out and indulge in these goodies yourself!

We have put together some of our favorite rides in the Asheville area. Keep reading to learn about them and plan your perfect biking vacation!

1. Asheville’s Art District Greenway

To start off, we will be talking about the greenway located in Asheville’s River Arts District. The route we have put together allows you to explore the entire greenway and is the perfect ride for families or for those looking for only a casual ride. The route spans 8.64 miles and climbs a mere 75 feet - a low number you will not see again in this mountainous region. This beautiful ride takes you along the French Broad River and ends near Asheville’s iconic White Duck Taco Truck.

2. Bent Creek Gravel Ride Near NC Arboretum

If you are looking to do some gravel riding while visiting the area, we recommend checking out the Bent Creek area. Our nearly 12 mile route takes you on some exciting off-road gravel sections through the woods of downtown Asheville. Not too technical, this route climbs 1,250 feet and is perfect for gravel & mountain bikers alike.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Mountain Climb

One of Asheville’s top destinations for both tourists and locals is the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive has been the most visited part of the National Park System for nearly every year since 1946. Located only 12 miles from downtown Asheville, visiting the parkway is a great alternative for those not looking to make the trek out to the Great Smokies. Although the road can get busy with cars, we recommend checking it out for a ride. The route we have put together is a 54.5 out-and-back ride, starting and ending at the Blue Ridge Parkway visitor’s
center. This road is hilly and not for the faint of heart; this ride has 6,275 feet of elevation gain. There are many viewpoints and outcroppings on the road, however, where you can stop to catch your breath and admire your surroundings. And, as a plus, the entire way back is downhill! Push up the first 27 miles and then enjoy the reward of the ride back down. Although we recommend riding the parkway at sunrise, no matter when you decide to check it out, make sure your bike has a rear light! There are tunnels on the route, and a flashing rear light is encouraged for your safety.

4. Thermal Belt Rail Trail

We are now going to look a little further away from downtown Asheville. The Thermal Belt Rail Trail, located near Rutherfordton, is a mostly flat and smooth greenway about one hour from Asheville. To ride the trail both out and back is 27.7 miles, and there is plenty of parking at both ends of the trail. We recommend checking this out if you are looking to explore some of small-town North Carolina and learn about the history of gold mining in the area!

5. Short Smoky Mountains Explorer

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located about 3 hours from downtown Asheville and is worth checking out if you have some extra time in the area. This ride, dubbed the “Smoky Mountains Explorer,” starts near one of the park’s visitor’s centers and takes you around beautiful mountainous scenery. This 25 mile ride is a mix of both gravel and road, and is perfect for anyone looking to explore the varied topography of this park.

6. Cades Cove Loop

Finally, we are going to share the Cades Cove Loop. This 9.17 mile ride is for everyone. Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this short ride not only is historic and scenic but also has bike rentals available!