Buncombe County
Biking & Hiking Trails

Biking

• Bent Creek Experimental Forest - Open year-round, what is now Bent Creek Experimental Forest was once a small part of the George Vanderbilt Estate. Much of the forest lands (which he had restored) was sold to the U.S. Government for $5 per acre. In 1925, the U.S. Forest Service set aside 1,100 acres in the Bent Creek Basin for research. Then, in 1935, an additional 5,200 acres were added. The area is also replete with excellent biking trails and has become very popular with mountain bikers.
     For more information you can e-mail sbeach@fs.fed.us or phone 828-667-5261. The unit headquarters is at the edge of the Forest facing Brevard Rd: 1577 Brevard Rd, Asheville 28806.

• North Carolina Arboretum - Asheville - Open year-around, health enthusiasts and families will enjoy the miles of biking trails from streamside cruises along Bent Creek to more strenuous climbs.
     The Arboretum is also pet friendly! Your dog is welcome to enjoy the natural beauty of this site, as long as they are kept on a leash.

• Bent Creek Experimental Forest - Described under Biking Trails, above, there are also a number of good hiking trails in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
     For more information you can e-mail sbeach@fs.fed.us or phone 828-667-5261. The unit headquarters is at the edge of the Forest facing Brevard Rd: 1577 Brevard Rd, Asheville 28806.

• North Carolina Arboretum - Asheville - Open year-around, health enthusiasts and families will enjoy the miles of hiking trails from streamside strolls along Bent Creek to more strenuous hikes.
     The Arboretum is also pet friendly! Your dog is welcome to enjoy the natural beauty of this site, as long as they are kept on a leash.