Woodruff Ridge

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail can be used to access Upper Wilson Ridge and Schoolhouse Ridge Road - FSR 4068. Those trails can provide a loop with an out/back on Woodruff. Woodruff gets split in half by Barn Ridge Road - FSR 4081, which can also be used with Edgemont Road for some added mileage.

Starting at the bottom near the community of Globe, NC, the trails will follow two forks of Woodruff Branch, a stream that dumps into Anthony Creek at the bottom of the trailhead. There is an impressive waterfall at the bend in the road near the trailhead, and Anthony Creek itself has some nice falls and a swimming hole also.

Going up this trail is a grunt. There is plenty of "up-tech." Most of the grades are rideable, but it is unrelenting in spots. Some of the creek crossings are very difficult as well. Woodruff also has some bulky rock features and slabs. Though this review follows a trip from the bottom, the trail is just much more fun going down.

The alignment of this trail existed before 4081 was built, and this results in some not so friendly grades at the approach to that road, including one definitive hike-a-bike. The middle section of Woodruff has two short sections of trail that parallel the road. Climbing is definitely easier on the road, but it is much more fun to find the hidden sections of trail when ripping downhill.

The upper section Woodruff starts at a small clearing off the road at an intersection of another logging road that goes nowhere. Once back on the trail at this point, you'll drop quickly through some Laurel to an old road bed that climbs back out at an easy grade. Shortly after, the trail crosses Walnut Bottom Creek over a small skinny.

When you get to the top you can take a left on Edgemont Road to access Upper Wilson Ridge.

Woodruff is a favorite of the forest-riding MTB community in Boone, NC because it is easier to get to and closer than other Pisgah Grandfather District trails. From Blowing Rock, NC you can drop out of main street by car via Globe Road. Not much parking at the trailhead on Anthony Creek Road, but enough for a couple cars by the swimming hole.