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* Big Rock Trail *
Tech Section
Boulder Climb
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Well I think they named this trail correctly? Big big rocks and there's lots of them. This tech climb is half-way up the trail and is one of the toughest I have ever come across.
I was already half-way up this climb when I gave up and took the picture. The problem was trying to get traction on the gravel bed while avoiding the jagged edged boulders. It's steeper than it looks.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to ride this section on the way back down.
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* Cedar Rock Trail *
Cascade Lake Trailhead
Big Rock Summit
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The view says it all. On top of the world at 3,000 feet! This is the HEART of the Smokey Mountains (it does look smokey). I spent a good half-hour up here, just taking it all in.
The green patches are soft mountain moss, blooming with tiny yellow flowers, growing right on top of the smooth bedrock. The trail was marked ONLY by piles of flat stones. Can you imagine getting lost up here!
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* Shoal Creek Trail *
Sky Valley Trailhead
Single Track
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A really nice long trail about 2miles (3km). Most of the trails from this trailhead are wide single track and are well-worn. Some trails are old logging roads that are now multi-use double track.
There was no real tech sections on this trail, but there were small valleys to descend and climb. NO rocks, boulders or roots. Just low-hanging branches (look ahead).
Notice that on the right, you can almost see that this trail is about 15 feet from the edge of a cliff. This was typical for this area and you start to feel part mountain goat.
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* Flatwoods Trail *
Sky Valley Trailhead
Single Track
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Lots of tall pine trees and "pine straw". A "cushy" ride that's easy to pedal through. The leaves were amazingly still intact on many bushes and trees.
A nice cruising trail for late in the afternoon when you don't have that extra burst of energy in your legs to do anything strenuous.
This trailhead is popular for horse-back riding. I met a few riders along the various trails here. You have to be very careful not to spook the horses. The golden rule is to NEVER come up to a horse from behind.
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Dupont State Forest, Brevard, 45min from Asheville
