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A great Pisgah descent.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.7

KM

Singletrack

3,464' 1,056 m

High

2,263' 690 m

Low

135' 41 m

Up

1,202' 366 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

The upper section of Trace Ridge north of the Spencer Gap Trail #600 intersection towards the parkway is a hiking-only trail.

Description

This trail has a steep, short climb in the beginning up to the Trace Ridge Peak then an almost 1000-foot descent down to the Trace Ridge trailhead parking lot. It is mosly hard pack clay with loose rocks and large bolders mixed in. Lots of erosion on the trail creates a fun technical downhill some small drops. This one might not be as hard as other Pisgah descents, but it's still not for beginners.

The southern portion of the trail is a fun, fast descent with lots of optional technical trail features. About 0.5 miles from the parking area, you'll see the older lower trace ridge trail that has been officially closed. Follow the sign on the left to continue down the new redirected portion. Keep right at the intersection with the Wash Creek Trail. The remainder of the trail contains lots of natural and man-made features to have some extra fun on before terminating on the North Mills River Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Travis Williams with improvements by Christian E and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 15 votes

#2

in Trace Ridge

#1076

Overall
  4.6 from 15 votes
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Trace Ridge

#1,076

Overall
29 Views Last Month
3,852 Since Apr 6, 2017
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Photos

The Trace Ridge descent is littered with small loose rocks.
Apr 6, 2017 near Avery C…, NC
Near the start of the doubletrack.
Oct 20, 2020 near Avery C…, NC
Bikepacking Pisgah - Trace Ridge.
Dec 3, 2021 near Avery C…, NC
The fast section after some huge ruts.
Sep 18, 2019 near Avery C…, NC
Sign for Spencer Branch Turn at top of descent
Apr 3, 2024 near Avery C…, NC

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Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2020
Connor Parish
Trace Ridge is on the mellower side of Pisgah riding while still featuring that chunky goodness the area is known for. Those ruts make things rowdy! 4.1mi — 0h 22m
Jan 5, 2020
Jack Lynch
Sep 10, 2019
Greg Tempel
Loose and rocky. Lot's of erosion creates a center gully. 26mi — 3h 09m
Sep 4, 2019
Walter F Banner
Clean ride with Curt Mueller and Patrick McMahon 17.8mi — 3h 21m
Apr 18, 2018
tubb nation
Jan 1, 2018
Noah Sloan
Fun fast rutted out. One for the books
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