Mountain Biking the Black Mountain Trail in Brevard, NC

The Black Mountain Odyssey: A Ride for the Brave

There’s a kind of magic that lingers in the air at Pisgah National Forest, a fusion of mist, sunlight, and the faint scent of pine. But on the Black Mountain Trail, that magic morphs into something more visceral—a raw pulse that echoes in the hum of tires on rock, in the rhythm of your heart pounding as you climb.

At just over 10 miles (out-and-back), the Black Mountain Trail is no casual ride—it’s a proving ground. The recent trail redesign, implemented to counteract erosion, has redefined its upper sections, blending sustainability with adrenaline-pumping flow. These reroutes haven’t tamed the beast, though. The trail remains a dance of roots and rocks, with switchbacks that dare you to stay upright.

Your journey begins on Clawhammer Road, a gravel ascent that tests your resolve long before you even touch the singletrack. The steady 1,300-foot climb winds through the dense canopy, each turn pulling you deeper into Pisgah’s embrace. It’s a grind, but the payback looms ahead—a descent that’s equal parts skill, courage, and sheer joy.

The Black Mountain Trail greets you with a mix of intermediate challenges before baring its teeth. Expect sharp climbs that burn the legs, technical drops that test your line choices, and moments of speed where the world blurs into green and brown streaks. Recent updates to the trail have introduced smoother flow sections that lull you into a rhythm—just before another rock garden snaps you back to reality.

And then there’s the finale: a roaring downhill that feels less like riding a trail and more like escaping it. You emerge from the forest exhilarated, a little battered, and grinning like a kid on their first bike.

Trail Guide: Black Mountain Trail via Clawhammer Road

Essentials

• Distance: 10.3 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 2,290 feet
• Trail Type: Technical singletrack with sustained climbs and steep descents
• Difficulty: Advanced

Access Details

• Begin your adventure on Clawhammer Road (Forest Service Road 5058), a gravel doubletrack that climbs steadily for 2.5 miles.
• Parking is available near the intersection with Forest Road 477 (Avery Creek Road).

What to Expect

• Trail Features: A mix of rerouted flow sections, rugged technical zones, and high-speed descents.
• Scenery: While most of the trail is enclosed by forest, winter offers glimpses of the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Trail Redesign: Upper sections have been rerouted to reduce erosion and enhance rider experience without compromising the trail’s legendary difficulty.

Preparation Tips

• Gear: A full-suspension bike is highly recommended, along with a helmet and optional body armor.
• Essentials: Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and a first aid kit.
• Trail Etiquette: Uphill riders have the right of way; always yield when necessary.
• Weather Watch: Pisgah’s weather can be unpredictable—check trail conditions before heading out.

Driving Directions from Brevard

1. Drive north on US-276 for 2 miles.
2. Turn right onto Forest Road 477 (Avery Creek Road).
3. Continue for 2.5 miles to Clawhammer Road; parking is available near the trailhead.

The Black Mountain Trail doesn’t offer a simple ride—it offers a story. Each climb, each descent, each sharp intake of breath becomes a chapter in your own tale of grit and triumph. It’s not just a trail; it’s a rite of passage. Welcome to the wild heart of Pisgah.