07/31/2026
Asheville Ski Club Mt bike ride at Gateway trails in Old Fort
We’re excited to do a group ride on the purpose-built mountain bike trails 30 minutes from Asheville, down the hill in Old Fort! For folks new to this trail system, this is an opportunity to explore a 14-mile system with choices appropriate for all levels of riders. This park has some of the most accessible and user-friendly trails in Pisgah National Forest and is very well designed, constructed, and maintained to avoid much of the raw nature of many legacy trails in WNC (i.e. these “flow trails” have a minimum amount of the typical Pisgah “roots rocks n reggae” encountered on many of the repurposed hiking trails that simply were not created with mountain biking in mind). The Gateway trails are tons of fun, if you’re going 7 mph or 27 and whether you’re 26 or 62!!!
Jarrett Creek Road, a gravel road going uphill through the forest from the trailhead, accesses all the goods and provides a bail-out should it be needed. There is always a shortcut back to the trailhead down the road so there is never the fear of having to navigate home with a mechanical or medical back through the woods. Did I mention that Hillman Brewing is ideally located on a creek in Old Fort where post-ride grub and libations are well deserved?
Where: Meet at Gateway trail system trailhead parking off Curtis Creek Rode, go +/- 1 mile east of Old Fort on Main St, AKA
hwy 70, turn left on Curttis Creek road and find the trail head sign +/- 1 mile north on Curtis Creek. Cross the creek on the bridge and find the large parking lot with sanitation facilities
When: Sunday September 13, 2026, 10am (Rain date Saturday September 19)
Estimated time at Hillman Brewing: 12:30!
Necessary:
• Mountain bike in good mechanical condition with inflated tires and working components: brakes, shifters, etc.
• PPE (personal protective equipment): helmet, knee pads for those prone to falling, etc.
I’ve ridden everything in this park and can point out the easier trails to folks, then take the heroes on the best-IMHO-trail loop, or any combination. This will be a “no-drop” ride. See you there! Scott l