Loose Mountain Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Not much singletrack on this short route, but it provides a variety of riding experiences including a nice singletrack descent and a good overall taste of Pisgah.

An out/back on Wilson Ridge is possible to get more mileage. See route descriptions for Loose Mtn. Road - FSR 4097 and Middle Wilson Ridge for more info. Turns and intersections are not marked consistently. Use the MTB Project mobile app or be sure to study some maps.

Start this ride on Brown Mtn. Beach Rd., next to the beautiful gorge of Wilson Creek Wild & Scenic River. There are many places park on this road. This outlined route begins at one of the larger pull-offs. There are pit-toilets here, but no other facilities. The last segment of the ride, Lower Wilson Ridge, will pop you out on this road.

Head south on Brown Mtn. Beach Road. It will turn into pavement for the last bit. When this dead-ends, turn left on Adako road, also paved. Go up/over the climb you see ahead of you. Near the bottom of the hill, turn left on the first road, Murphy Place. This road is gravel, with working farms on both side of the road. After about a mile, take Maple Sally Road - FSR 187, which begins on the right. This road is mostly gravel, remote doubletrack; it will climb and descend all the way to Loose Mtn. Road - FSR 4097, which comes up on the left at a bend in the road. Begin a climb up to Wilson Ridge from this intersection on a grassy overgrown gated road. See the outline for this trail because the turns are tricky near the top.

Once on the ridge, you'll have the option of turning right and adding on mileage, or turning left, and following this outlined ride. Locating the beginning of Lower Wilson Ridge is also tricky, but once on that, the best part of the ride awaits. This trail is fast and fun Pisgah descending, with some rocky technical sections. When arriving at Brown Mountain Beach Rd. youll turn left to the start of this route.

The roads/trails on this route have been around a long time. All of this area was prime part of Caldwell County's "Mountain Bike Mania," an event that was held here in the late 90's.

The Wilson Creek Gorge is a special area, also renowned for top-class kayaking. The river is also loaded with accessible swimming holes, but you'll need to compete with the locals for get the best spots.