Here are some of the most popular bike trails in the Maggie Valley area:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

Nature Trails

Blue Ridge Parkway has numerous nature trails for nature lovers, campers and hikers.  The Appalachian Trail, Shining Rock Wilderness Trail, Mountain Farm Trail, Mountain to Sea Trails are examples of some of the most famous trails. These nature trails cater to hiker and campers from all over the world and even attract amateur hikers. Most of these trails are meant to be explored by foot, nevertheless, taking a drive along these pristine locations can refresh your mind and body with its’ breathtaking beauty!

Noted Landmarks & Attractions

Stretching to above 450 miles, this parkway hosts a number of famous landmarks and beautiful spots, which can make your road trip even more worthwhile! From high standing mountain peaks to colorful valleys, let’s take a look at some of the most noted stretches or locations that you will cover during a scenic drive through Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ravens Roost – Sitting above a cliff right after mile 10 of the parkway, Ravens Roost offers impeccable scenic views of Torry Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Mostly attracting tourists and locals for activities like hang-gliding, rock climbing, etc. it is otherwise a breathtaking location to sit, relax and traverse into nature.

Sherando Lake Campground – One of the most popular camping spots in this stretch, Sherando Lake Campground in Virginia is just 4.5 miles off the parkway and caters to new campers greatly because of comfortable washrooms and showers present. Take time to enjoy the beautiful, tranquil environment of Sherando Lake.

Linville Falls – Milepost 316.4 guides you to the start of Linville Gorge. This lovely location includes the peak highlight of Linville Falls and attracts not only tourists, but locals too. There are a number of walking trails around this region, which will let you explore nature like never before.

Devil’s Courthouse – Devil’s Courthouse is located on the west of Pisgah National Forest and offers unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge mountain peaks. Noted for its folklore and Cherokee legends surrounding this place, Devil’s courthouse at mile 422.4 is a popular spot for anyone exploring the Parkway!

Looking Glass Rock – Famous amongst rock-climbers, this granite face rock reflects sunlight in a way that makes it look like glass thus earning its moniker. This spot provides beautiful views of the parkway itself and mountains in Transylvania County, NC.

Craggy Gardens – With its’ rocky peaks, beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, Craggy gardens is another tourist hotspot. Craggy Gardens is located at an elevation of 3500 feet and is best visited during summer when it is covered in a thick blanket of pink and purple rhododendrons. Located between mile 363.4 and 369.6, this is a perfect spot to take a halt during your scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Richland Balsam – Mile 431 leads to Richland Balsam, one of the most sought after landmarks in this stretch.  With its’ high peak elevation of 6020 feet. Richland Balsam offers an impeccable view of both sunrise and sunset.  Numerous self-guided nature trails around this area allow you to explore the wonders of nature amidst a rich scent of Balsam and Fraser fir trees.

The entire drive from Maggie Valley through Cherokee, NC through the Blue Ridge Parkway is picturesque and pristine! Its’ many spots of breathtaking beauty beckons to all nature lovers and makes it one of the most popular parkways in the world!   This is just one of the many experiences that await you in the Maggie Valley, NC area!  Don’t delay!  Book your dates at Creekside Lodge today!  Call the friendly staff of Creekside Lodge at (800) 621-1260 and let us help your make your visit to Maggie Valley and Blue Ridge Parkway a wonderful experience you will never forget!