Farlow Gap: A Ride to Reckon With

They say Farlow Gap in Pisgah National Forest doesn’t just test your biking skills—it questions your resolve. This isn’t a casual trail; it’s an unflinching challenge, a wild three-mile plunge that drops 2,000 feet through rock gardens, root webs, and steep chutes that demand every ounce of focus and skill.

From the first turn, the trail grabs your attention. Rocks jut out like bouncers, daring you to pick your line with precision. Roots coil like forest veins, and the descent builds speed as gravity takes over. It’s less about controlling the ride and more about flowing with the chaos. Blink, and the perfect line vanishes into the Pisgah wilderness.

But Farlow’s not all relentless punishment. The ride transitions into the Daniel Ridge Trail—a brief respite offering smoother flow and moments to savor Pisgah’s iconic beauty. Sunlight filters through the canopy, painting the forest floor in shifting greens, while the distant roar of streams offers a calming counterpoint to the adrenaline.

Completing the loop requires tackling the climb back: a nine-mile grind up Gloucester Gap and Pilot Mountain Road. The first stretch teases you with manageable grades, but the final three miles don’t play fair, stacking elevation like a final exam for your legs. It’s a climb that rewards only the stubborn and the prepared.

Farlow Gap isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s raw, wild, and unapologetically Pisgah—a trail that doesn’t just challenge you but makes you feel every inch of its terrain. Yet, for those who dare, it’s an experience that lingers long after the dust settles.

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Farlow Gap Mountain Biking Loop Guide

Quick Facts

• Location: Near Brevard, NC, in Pisgah National Forest
• Distance: ~9-mile loop
• Elevation: ~2,000 ft descent with a grueling climb
• Difficulty: Advanced to expert

Route Directions

1. Start: Fish Hatchery parking area.
2. Climb: Take 476 road to Gloucester Gap, then Pilot Mountain Road to Farlow Gap.
3. Descent: Navigate the Farlow Gap trail (technical downhill).
4. Finish: Merge onto Daniel Ridge Trail and return to Fish Hatchery.

Highlights

• Downhill Thrill: Farlow’s technical descent is packed with rock gardens, tight switchbacks, and steep sections.
• Daniel Ridge Beauty: A flowing, scenic trail with views of Pisgah’s dense forest and streams.
• Epic Climb: The final road climb is punishing, especially the last three miles.

Rider Tips

• Gear: Full-suspension bike, grippy tires, and protective gear are essential. Bring tools and spares.
• Timing: Plan for 3–4 hours to complete the loop.
• Stay Safe: Full-face helmets and pads are recommended; the trail is unforgiving.

Directions to Fish Hatchery

• From Brevard, take Davidson River Road. The Fish Hatchery parking area is about 10 minutes from downtown, with clear signage.

Final Note

Farlow Gap is more than a ride—it’s a battle of skill and grit against one of Pisgah’s toughest trails. Come ready, ride hard, and savor the victory.