Welcome to the Boone Adventure Guide’s Best Biking Adventures section. Below you will find information on cycling and mountain biking in the Boone, NC area including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Yancey Ridge, Kerr Scott Reservoir, Todd Railroad Grade and the famous Lance Armstrong Ride up Beech Mountain.

Yancey Ridge Trail (Wilson Creek)

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The Yancey Ridge Trail is one of the area’s most well-known spots for mountain biking.  Cyclists make the long, gradual climb up Forest Service Rd. 192 to Old House Gap before dropping into a fast and scenic ride down gravel roads and singletrack.  Long Yancey’s, as the locals call it, continues down the ridge for 15 miles of mixed terrain and is ideally suited for experienced mountain bikers looking for a challenge.  The gentle, 2 mile Short Yancey’s trail veers off to the right down a gravel forest service road after reaching Old House Gap.

Directions from Boone:  Take Hwy 105 S for 17 miles to Linville.  At the 4-way stop at Eseeola, turn left onto Roseborough Rd.  Follow to the Blue Ridge Parkway and cross the BRP.  Descend the gravel road for 3.1 miles to parking on either side of bridge over Gragg Prong Creek.  FS 192 heads uphill on the left after the bridge.

221/Parkway Loop (Blowing Rock)

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Cycling in the High Country is known for its steep climbs, fast descents, and incredible vistas in between.  The Hwy 221/Blue Ridge Parkway 50 mile loop is a quintessential High Country ride that provides cyclists with fast corners, lush canopy overhead, and long climbs. Multiple pull-offs along both roads offer cyclists a chance to catch their breath, rest their legs, and take in a variety of astounding views.

Directions from Boone:  Take Hwy 321 S for 6.8 miles to right onto 321 Business in to downtown Blowing Rock.  Turn right onto Hwy 221 and follow 1.6 miles to the rest area on the left.

Lance Armstrong Ride (Valle Crucis)

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Since Lance Armstrong’s return to Beech Mountain in 1995 as part of his training and recovery from cancer, this area has seen a marked increase in visitors hoping to take part in this legendary and inspirational ride. This 23 mile ride makes the tremendously difficult climb from Banner Elk up the steep and winding Hwy 184 to Beech Mountain. This section of the Beech Mountain Pkwy climbs from 3600 ft to 5400 feet in just 3.4 miles.

Directions from Boone:  Take Hwy 105 S for 4.8 miles to right onto Broadstone Rd./Highway 194. Follow for 2.9 miles to the Historic Mast General Store in Valle Crucis Start in Valle Crucis, head up Hwy 194 near the General Store, reach Banner Elk, and turn right onto the Beech Mountain Pkwy and continue ascending to Beech Mountain.  Return to Valle Crucis via Hwy 194.

Todd Railroad Grade (Todd)

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The Tweetsie Railroad Line ran from Trade, TN to Todd and was once the pride of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These days the flat (how many miles?) railroad grade sees more bikes than cars and provides a scenic ride alongside the New River as it meanders through the New River Valley.

Directions from Boone:  Take Hwy 194 N for 11 miles to right on Todd Railroad Grade Rd. Parking is available 6 miles down Railroad Grade Rd across from Fleetwood Falls Realty.

Dark Mountain Trail (Kerr Scott Reservoir)

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The Dark Mountain Trail is part of the 20+ mile trail system found at the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. With huge berms, fast descents, and moderate climbs, the 7.5 mile Dark Mountain Trail rips around the mountainous terrain near Kerr Scott Lake. While Dark Mountain is the jewel of the system, be sure to also check out the technical Warrior Creek section and/or the gentle Overmountain Victory Trails.

Directions from Boone: Take Hwy 421 S for 28 miles to Wilkesboro.  Take exit 286B to NC 268 W from Wilkesboro. 3 miles past US 421, turn right at the W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir sign onto Reservoir Rd. Follow across W. Kerr Scott Dam, turn left at the flagpole to parking area.