[eyeballs]

How's the climb to the top of fire mountain? It looks like a great system, and I've been thinking about taking my kids there (girls age 7 and 9). I just don't want their mental stamina crushed before we get to the fun stuff. Also, what's the best nearby camping spot?

 

[mikeridesabike]

It is a pretty stout climb. Maybe not the steepest around, but it is a solid granny gear effort for 2-3 miles.

We had a group go up in May and we stayed at the Smoky Mountain Meadows campground. It was very nice. About 10 miles from the trail.

 

[eyeballs]

Thanks. Sounds like we'd be better off hitting Tsali instead if we head up that way.

 

[mikeridesabike]

Then again, I am the slowest climber in the USA. Your kids could probably whoop me.

 

[avlfj40]

I've heard real good things about jackrabbit in haynesville.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[thatthang]

I've heard real good things about jackrabbit in haynesville.

^^this place^^

I've been to all the trails mentioned with my young kids and Jackrabbit easily takes the top spot on the podium.

Tsali is basically flat and boring for WNC standards. Yes, it is technically mountain biking, but it's far from exciting.

Fire Mountain is a very good time, but you do have to climb up to get down. The climb up Uktena is actually pretty average for the area (2 miles, 800 feet). Your family will love the flow of the descents and there is virtually no tech to hurt you.

Jackrabbit on the other hand is pretty much the perfect combination of mild, intermittent climbs, and really nice twisting flow. Whoever built this trail system (kudos to you!), did a proper job. Great tread, light tech, with lots of loop options. Plus the beach at Jackrabbit campground is sublime compared to the clay based yuck of Fontana Lake.

Choose Jackrabbit over all the others. You and the kids won't be disappointed.

 

[eyeballs]

Thanks. I might have to give Jackrabbit another chance. I went there 2 winters ago and it didn't impress me. That being said, we didn't do much riding since my oldest had just broken her wrist and was tagging along on foot. The camping did look good though.

It's been nearly 10 years since I've ridden Tsali, and I remember that being similar to Chicopee Woods (my backyard trail in NGA). The bonus there would be the option of taking the kids down the Nantahala.

 

[2bfluid]

If you do take the kids to Fire Mtn go early in the day when it is cool or go later in the fall. Take a bungee and pull the younger one up. You can PM me for details if you need them.

 

[eyeballs]

Take a bungee and pull the younger one up.

I completely forgot about the tow bungee! I'm going to go order a pair right now!

 

[thatthang]

I completely forgot about the tow bungee! I'm going to go order a pair right now!

save yourself some money... two good carabiner's and 6 feet of cord does the trick for me.

one end around your seat post and the other around the kid's bike stem.

 

[2bfluid]

save yourself some money... two good carabiner's and 6 feet of cord does the trick for me.

View attachment 1273047

one end around your seat post and the other around the kid's bike stem.

A 16 foot piece of quarter inch shock cord tied into a loop works much, much better than a regular piece of cord. It's easier to get started, has less slack, and helps nudge them over something they are apprehensive about like a root or rock.