If you’re planning a biking outing in Maggie Valley, you want to visit the best trails you can find. Maggie Valley boasts a wide variety of different types of bike trails with scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. When selecting the best bike trail for you and your family or friends, take a moment to identify the ingredients that will make the bike ride fun for you. For instance, do you want a smooth, relaxing, easy ride or do you prefer more of an uphill climb full of challenges, twists and turns? Once you have a good understanding of what type of experience you are looking for, then it is time to review your options and pick out the trail that will give you the best experience.
Here are some of the most popular bike trails in the Maggie Valley area:
- Brevard Bike Path – The Brevard Bike Path is roughly 5 miles long and is actually constructed over an old railway corridor. Not to worry, though, you won’t be riding on railway tracks! About1 mile of the path was once used by and old rail company called Carr Lumber. The bike trail is now paved with asphalt for 4 out of the 5 miles. There’s only one mile, which was used to extend the path into the beautiful Pisgah National Forest that has a crushed gravel path. The path is a great trail for beginner and expert bikers alike. It has plenty of scenery and is a fairly flat trail.
- Doodle Rail Trail – The Doodle Rail Trail is another bike trail that everyone seems to love. This trail has plenty of scenic views of the Great Smokey Mountain area and is home to two beautiful rustic wooden bridges. It also happens to be a trail that was built over an existing railroad line. Doodle Rail line (hence the name of the park), was the old passenger rail line that ran the 7 miles that later became the Doodle Rail Trail. Curious about why it was called Doodle Line? Apparently back in 1898 when this line was operational, people in the area determined that since the train couldn’t turn around it looked like a doodlebug when it was travelling backwards between Pickens and Easley.
- Point Lookout Trail – Point Lookout Trail leads you up a slope to a spectacular view of Great Smokey Mountain Area. This trail is also paved and is 3.62 miles in length. Even though it’s a relatively short trail, it’s a more moderately difficult trail. Most cyclists choose to slowly ride to the top of the trail at Point Lookout, and then glide down the rest of the trail. This trail is regularly used for the return leg for avid cyclists coming from the Kitsuma Bike Trail.
- Kitsuma Bike Trail – This trail is considered one of the more rugged bike trails near Maggie Valley. The trail is a little further from Maggie Valley, but is definitely a great trail! It’s not an easy trail and is a mountain bikers dream. The trail is full of twists and turns and changes in elevation. For the more avid cyclist, this is an awesome trail and test of endurance! The bike trail boasts beautiful views of Mt. Mitchell and has plenty of views both on the way up and down. It is 9.7 miles long and is a must ride trail in the area if you are a serious biker!
These are just a few of the many bike trails in the Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley. No matter what level of a cyclist you are, these trails can provide an awesome experience! Just remember not to go too crazy if you’re just starting out. Cycling can be extremely energizing, yet is strenuous exercise at the same time! It is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re living in the Great Smoky Mountain area or just heading in to visit some of North Carolina, these are great places to see. Nature is beautiful and even if you have friends that don’t cycle or prefer to walk, an outdoor excursion to one of these bike trails can be a fun-filled adventure!
When you’re planning your trip to the Maggie Valley area, don’t forget to take care of your lodging plans first! Creekside Lodge is a wonderful place to be your home base during your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. Our friendly staff at Creekside Lodge would love to assist you in booking your reservation and planning great activities during your stay! Please call us at (800) 621-1260 and secure your spot today!
