Maintained fire road. From the hatchery, it's 4 miles of steady elevation gain before easing and connecting to Bracken Mt. Trail. GPS map is 5.8 miles one-way, 12 miles round trip. Otherwise, connect to other trails in the area to form a bigger loop. Courtesy of Singletracks.com

This loop opens with a four-mile road climb (most of which is gated off to cars) to reach some fun technical descents on Horse Cove Gap Trail #325 before continuing on the more gradual Squirrel Gap Trail (#147). The loop is less difficult than other other Pisgah descents, but still works in some challenging sections without forcing riders off big drops or jumps. It's a little more secluded and has many pretty views of the Parkway, Looking Glass Rock, and South Mills River. Courtesy of mtbproject.com

This ride begins with a forest road climb and views that rival any in Pisgah—just make sure you look over your shoulder on the way up. You’ll easily spot Pilot Rock and Slate Rock hanging on the mountainsides below the Blue Ridge Parkway. The single track that follows is as great as the scenery. Ride surface is 7.9 miles of single track and 4.3 miles of forest road. The hightlights include stunning views, technical single track, a swinging bridge, South Mills River, and fun downhillsCourtesy of trails.com