Farlow Gap and Daniel Ridge Loop

Brevard

Widely regarded as the most technical, challenging trail in Pisgah National Forest.

Mountain Biking Extreme

Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 719 m
Descent: 719 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 803 m
High Point: 1.4 km
Gradient: 12˚

Farlow Gap has garnered worldwide renown as the most technical mountain bike trail in the Pisgah National Forest. Since Pisgah is home to some of the gnarliest riding anywhere, that's quite the claim to fame!

Photo from Farlow Gap and Daniel Ridge Loop — Photo: Pisgah Ranger District on Flickr

Description

Farlow begins with a tight, steep bit of singletrack funneling into a big drop off of a boulder. A constant barrage of roots and rocks will pummel your wheels before you reach a steep, rocky drop in and subsequent pedal out of a creek crossing.

Some sections of these trails are so choked by massive boulders that there's no visible line through them—trials-like skills or an incredible amount of luck are required to successfully pedal your bike through those sections.

In addition to massive boulders, ledge drops, kickers, log crossings, and massive root webs all demand advanced-level bike handling skills.

If you're not looking for one of the most challenging mountain bike rides of your life, it's probably best to skip this trail and move on to the next one.

Sources: http://www.pisgahareasorba.org/2010/04/1177/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCRPuPu3S64

Difficulty

Extreme

Very steep, difficult, narrow singletrack with widely variable and unpredictable trail conditions. Unavoidable obstacles could be 15in/38cm tall or greater, and unavoidable obstacles with serious consequences are likely to be present. Obstacles could include big rocks, difficult root sections, drops, jumps, sharp switchbacks, and more. Ideal for expert-level riders.