The best cycling routes around Asheville

The French Broad River Greenway offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience along one of the world's oldest rivers. You'll glide along a smooth, paved surface, enjoying pleasant river views, shaded sections, and open grassy meadows, with the chance to see art installations in the vibrant River Arts District. This 13.0 miles (21.0 km) route, with a minimal 426 feet (130 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit requires a quick check of local conditions, as a section within French Broad River Park is currently closed due to storm damage, preventing a continuous loop. However, the operational sections still offer significant distances for out-and-back rides, connecting parks like Carrier Park and Hominy Creek River Park, which provide amenities and easy access. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a flat, accessible route in an area known for its challenging hilly terrain.

Beyond just cycling, the greenway area is a popular hub for various recreational activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the French Broad River. Its unique position as a relatively flat, easy route in Asheville makes it a local favorite, offering a blend of natural beauty, urban connectivity, and cultural touches that set it apart from other Asheville NC cycling routes.

The Patton & Elk Mountain loop via Reed Creek Greenway offers a unique contrast, starting with the tranquil, paved Reed Creek Greenway that winds along the creek and through wooded sections. This quickly gives way to rugged mountain roads, where you'll encounter significant climbs and descents, rewarding your effort with panoramic views from the Patton Mountain Viewpoint and along the less-trafficked Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. Expect a diverse cycling experience, from riparian landscapes to high mountain vistas.

This difficult 23.8-mile (38.3 km) touring cycling route, with its substantial 2647 feet (807 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Be prepared for varied terrain, as parts of Patton Mountain Road include dirt and gravel sections that can be challenging for touring bikes not equipped for off-pavement riding. It's advisable to check local conditions for the mountain roads before you head out, especially if you're not accustomed to pushing your bike on steep, unpaved segments.

What makes this loop stand out is its seamless blend of urban greenway charm and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, all within a single ride. It provides a distinct perspective on the Asheville area, showcasing both developed areas and natural vistas, including the significant Elk Mountain view and unique painted rocks. This comprehensive experience makes it a favorite among local touring cyclists seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure.

This section of the Mountains to Sea Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway Loop offers an incredibly scenic touring cycling experience through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll ride through dense canopies of trees, past vibrant wildflowers, and emerge at overlooks like Craven Gap with sweeping views of misty peaks. The route is characterized by its consistently undulating terrain, meaning you're almost always climbing or descending, making it a true test of endurance.

Cycling this 27.9-mile (45.0 km) loop, with its 2600 feet (792 metres) of elevation gain, is considered difficult and requires a good level of fitness. Plan for rapid weather changes, as fog and rain can roll in quickly at higher elevations, and remember to bring proper lighting for the numerous tunnels you'll encounter. The southernmost portion of the Parkway can even see snow and freezing conditions in spring and fall, so check forecasts carefully.

This route is part of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, often called "America's Favorite Drive," and is one of the most popular bike trails in the region for touring cyclists. It's also integrated into the broader Mountains-to-Sea Trail, showcasing the challenging mountain segment of this statewide path. The well-maintained paved roads and sustained climbs make it a notable and rewarding cycling adventure in North Carolina.

The North Historic Neighborhood loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through Asheville's charming historic areas and green spaces. This moderate 10.5-mile (16.9 km) route, with 895 feet (273 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through varied terrain, including smooth paved sections and a couple of greenway segments. You'll find yourself immersed in history as you cycle past the elegant homes of the Chestnut Hill Historic District and through the peaceful Riverside Cemetery, making it one of the more engaging cycling routes in historic northern neighborhoods.

Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for the ride itself, but factor in extra time to explore the many points of interest along the way. The route is best suited for cyclists who are comfortable with some hills, including street-savvy older children on geared bikes. While specific parking isn't detailed, you can typically find street parking in the residential areas near the loop's start, making it easy to begin your Adv North Asheville Historic Neighborhoods Explorer cycling guide adventure.

What truly sets this route apart is its journey through the past, particularly the extensive section within Riverside Cemetery. Designed in 1885 in the Victorian style, the cemetery is home to over a dozen family mausoleums and impressive statues, offering a unique glimpse into Asheville's prominent citizens, including novelist Thomas Wolfe. It's a fascinating blend of scenic cycling and historical exploration, providing more than just a ride but a true historical bike tour experience.