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Sinkhole

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.1 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Pisgah National Forest
  5. Wilson Creek
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“This is a must-ride Wilson Creek area loop. ”

Charlie Charping
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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.8

KM

35%

Singletrack

2,462' 750 m

High

1,263' 385 m

Low

1,438' 438 m

Up

1,416' 432 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Closed to all motorized vehicles, please report misuse to the Grandfather Ranger District.

Overview

Sinkhole got its nickname due to a large sinkhole along the main ridgeline of this trail. This is a true Wilson Creek Area classic. All types of "Pisgah Style" riding are covered on this trail. In recent years, erosion and illegal use by motorcycles have plagued this trail. Regardless, if you are in the area this is a ride you don't want to miss out on!

Need to Know

Once you reach the sinkhole on the trail (it will be obvious), you have the option of continuing straight on the ridgeline or going left down a steep hill that will eventually circle around back to the ridge-line descent. Both options are fun in their own unique ways.

Description

This loop consist of Craig Creek Road (FS 982), Little Chestnut Mountain Road (FS 4099), and Holly Springs Trail #273. From Hwy 181, head to Craig Creek Road (FS 982) and drive down 982 until you reach the bottom of Holly Springs Trail #273 and park there.

Begin the ride by pedaling up 982 to the summit, until the junction with Chestnut Mountain Rd. and Little Chestnut Mountain Road (FS 4099). Enter the gate on the right and follow the doubletrack for a little over two miles (from the gate).

At this point, start looking for the trail going uphill on the right. This is the preferred entrance onto Holly Springs Trail #273.

Contacts

Local Club: Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest Grandfather Ranger District

Shared By:

Charlie Charping
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 25 votes

#2

in Wilson Creek

#910

Overall
  4.1 from 25 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Wilson Creek

#54

in North Carolina

#910

Overall
67 Views Last Month
9,896 Since Apr 20, 2016
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76%
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Photos

Along the gated road to Sinkhole Trail.
Apr 20, 2016 near Glen Al…, NC
The Sinkhole.
Apr 20, 2016 near Glen Al…, NC
View of Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain from Sinkhole Loop!
Sep 23, 2017 near Linville, NC
Rocky ridgeline corner on the Sinkhole descent.
Oct 15, 2017 near Glen Al…, NC
Enjoy awesome views and scenery on this ride – just stay alert on the descents, as they can get rocky and rooty.
Feb 15, 2017 near Glen Al…, NC

1 Comment

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Feb 18, 2024
Richard Peters
Mar 28, 2022
Ameraldas The person
trees down on the trail, trail work being done. most of the work is around the sinkhole gap 7.4mi — 1h 00m
Nov 19, 2021
Ameraldas The person
extremely fun, it is a great time, especially trying to go fast.
Aug 17, 2021
Rob VanDette
This is a terrible track. Too steep to climb without getting off your back and too steep to descend. Very dangerous in sections. Stay far away 7.4mi — 3h 30m
Apr 1, 2021
Moth Man
Aug 7, 2020
Private User
Jun 12, 2020
Brad Watling
Climbs fine but downhill getting pretty washed out and 6-8 large downed trees in the path. 7.5mi — 10h 00m
Jun 6, 2020
Riley Jernigan
Long gravel road climb, sweet tech descent 7mi

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