REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Riding to Bent Creek Trails

909 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by spankye, Jun 24, 2009

YuriB

Discussion Starter · Jun 23, 2009

I'm staying at the Grand Bohemain in July and will be renting a bike. It looks like I can ride from the Bohemian thru the Biltmore estates to the Bent Creek Trails. Is that true/a good idea? Any tips on a good LBS and place to get caffinated by the Bohemian appreciated.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

drkenan

· #2 · Jun 23, 2009

You can't ride thru the Biltmore Estate to get from Biltmore Village to Bent Creek. There's a big ole' river in the way. Unfortunately riding there is not very easy on the road either.

But...Carolina Fatz bike shop is right on your way (on Brevard Rd) and there is a Starbucks across the street from the Bohemian. Also check out Rezaz for your local cafe needs.

M-U-M

· #3 · Jun 23, 2009

Biking on the Biltmore Estate is prohibited - expect on designated trails. There is no direct access to Bent Creek from that area. The the Blue Ridge Parkway would be an option.

You'd have to deal with a busy four-lane for a few miles and then cut into the Biltmore Forest neighborhood. One of the roads comes out by a Parkway entrance.

Check in at the pisgahareasorba.org forum.

Edit: typed after drkenan

Fatz is very close to Bent Creek. Also contact Liberty Bikes near the Parkway.

redriderbb

· #4 · Jun 23, 2009

Not entirely accurate.

You can ride in the Biltmore with a trail pass. I think it only costs like $60 for the trail pass plus the daily admission price of $60 for the house, or you could buy one for the entire year which I think is $600.

There is a poach that I have been on and a way to get to Bent Creek from the Bohemian. Your best bet would be bite the bullet and pay to play at Biltmore. The trails are decent and the time it would take you to ride to BC and be surrounded by throngs of people, while riding past a virtually deserted trail system seems kind of dumb. Just try the Biltmore trails and let us know how you liked'em. I don't know any locals that have ridden in Bitmore on the legit.

Maybe Woody can chime in, as he built many of the trails out there. Oh and I second the Reza's rec. that place is GGGGGoooooooOOOOOODDDDDD.

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M-U-M

· #5 · Jun 23, 2009

"designated trails"

Thanks for elaborating on the bike trail on the Estate! I meant to refer to that. Combined with the route along the river - it can provide a nice workout and is a lot of fun. It's a great addition to the property.

Still can't get here from there....

YuriB

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 23, 2009

Is there a better option to the Biltmore or Bent Creek? I'd like to spend the better part of Friday on a bike.

plume

· #7 · Jun 23, 2009

YuriB said:
Is there a better option to the Biltmore or Bent Creek? I'd like to spend the better part of Friday on a bike.

Pisgah National Forest might keep you busy for a day.

gtdrew

· #8 · Jun 23, 2009

Just ride road thru Biltmore Forest (old neighborhood adjacent to the estate) to the parkway and then the parkway to 191 to Bent Creek. It is not ideal but it will get you there and all the roads aside from 191 which you are only on for .5 miles are nice to ride on.

edit: do what others have said. Really not worth it to ride to BC. Either drive to Mills River or Turkey Pen or ride to the trails at Biltmore.

drkenan

· #9 · Jun 23, 2009

redriderbb said:
Just try the Biltmore trails and let us know how you liked'em. I don't know any locals that have ridden in Bitmore on the legit.

I've ridden all of the trails on the estate multiple times. My wife works there so I've had ample opportunity. Compared to the other trails in the area, they are definitely lacking but fun nonetheless. I'd say the OP is going to spend some time touring the estate so for biking, I'd say just head to Bent Creek or Pisgah.

YuriB

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 24, 2009

plume said:
Pisgah National Forest might keep you busy for a day.

How long a drive to a good primary trail head?

YuriB

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jun 24, 2009

M-U-M said:
Biking on the Biltmore Estate is prohibited - expect on designated trails. There is no direct access to Bent Creek from that area. The the Blue Ridge Parkway would be an option.

You'd have to deal with a busy four-lane for a few miles and then cut into the Biltmore Forest neighborhood. One of the roads comes out by a Parkway entrance.

Check in at the pisgahareasorba.org forum.

Edit: typed after drkenan

Fatz is very close to Bent Creek. Also contact Liberty Bikes near the Parkway.

Just noticed the pisgahareasorba.org - perfect. I think I'll be happier with a pigsah ride. The Big m seems to fit the bill. Thx

mbmb65

· #12 · Jun 24, 2009

drkenan said:
I've ridden all of the trails on the estate multiple times. My wife works there so I've had ample opportunity. Compared to the other trails in the area, they are definitely lacking but fun nonetheless. I'd say the OP is going to spend some time touring the estate so for biking, I'd say just head to Bent Creek or Pisgah.

I live in Oakley, have a season pass and have ridden on the trails at Biltmore exactly one time. It's just not worth the effort in my opinion. Maybe if you were on the Estate. Maybe. I say take the Parkway to Bent Creek. Really not that big of a deal. Or take the bus. Or since your staying at the Grand Bohemian, take a limo.

kkjellquist

· #13 · Jun 24, 2009

Biltmore Estate trails? Seriously....are we all talking about the bike paths I ride with my 5 yr old, or are there other trails out there? I have a season pass so I'd love to know if there are some "real" trails.

Mike Brown

· #14 · Jun 24, 2009

Yuri- I know from your posts on the endurance racing forums that you're serious with your "all day" post...
when I have more time (I started and realized it was going to take too long) I'll PM you very detailed directions for a FANTASTIC all-day ride/ no car from the Grand Bohemian. This will include several area highlight trails and a long push on the parkway, but will be VERY worth your while.

Post back here if you're looking for 4,6,8 hours, what-have-you, and I'll do my directions accordingly.

mbmb65

· #15 · Jun 24, 2009

kkjellquist said:
Biltmore Estate trails? Seriously....are we all talking about the bike paths I ride with my 5 yr old, or are there other trails out there? I have a season pass so I'd love to know if there are some "real" trails.

There are some trails, not sure if they are what you've been on, they could be called paths. As I said before, they really are not worth the trouble.

spankye

· #16 · Jun 24, 2009

My wife and i got season passes to Biltmore for a wedding present and use the trails quite a bit. Aside from the gravel roads and such there is quite a bit of singletrack (8'ish miles maybe?). Is it technical? Nope. Is there a lot of climbing or rad descents? Nope. Is it fun? Yep. Twisty, turny, lots of flow. The trails are still "singletrack" and it dries out quick after a good rain. And on days when you know it will take an hour to park at Bent Creek it's a great place to go. You won't see anyone in the woods. Would i buy a pass to ride the trails there? Probably not. $119/person for a twelve month pass is a little steep for me, but if you are staying at the Bohemian, well...

Back to the original question...i would drive to Bent Creek instead of riding there or head to Pisgah proper if you want to ride all day.

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