Biking Trails
Whether you’re a novice or experienced mountain biker, The North Carolina Arboretum’s diverse landscapes and trails offer miles of biking routes. Parking and trail entry points can be found at the Arboretum’s recreational parking area near the front entrance and at the Production Greenhouse. Please be mindful of hikers and Arboretum vehicles while on trails.
Easy biking trails
Bent Creek Road – 1.3 miles
Bent Creek Road is a gravel-surfaced corridor shared by pedestrians, pets on leashes, and cyclists. The 12-foot-wide road follows Bent Creek for the length of the Arboretum property, with several adjoining roads leading off the property and into the Pisgah National Forest. The majority of the road is flat and is perfect for novice bikers or those looking for longer routes connecting into the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Lake Powhatan.
Old Mill Trail – 0.3 miles
The Old Mill Trail connects the trailhead/recreation parking area at the Arboretum’s main entrance to Bent Creek Road. After leaving the trailhead parking area, turn left around the pipe gate. Cross the bridge and the trail begins to the right through the woods. This trail is named for the old grist mill that existed in the area around the viaduct bridge.
Wolf Branch Road – 0.3 miles
Beginning at the Production Greenhouse parking lot, Wolf Branch Road is a short connector to Bent Creek Road, leading into the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Lake Powhatan.
Moderate biking trails
Running Cedar Road – 0.5 miles
The Arboretum features rotating art exhibits from established visual artists whose work furthers the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants through creative expression. These exhibits can be found periodically on the second floor of the Baker Exhibit Center.
Rocky Cove Road – 0.5 miles
The Arboretum features rotating art exhibits from established visual artists whose work furthers the Arboretum’s mission to connect people with plants through creative expression. These exhibits can be found periodically on the second floor of the Baker Exhibit Center.
Difficult biking trails
Owl Ridge Trail – 0.94 miles
The Owl Ridge Trail is the upper portion of a recreational loop used by bikers, hikers, and pets on leashes. This naturally surfaced section is about 0.94 miles, joining Rocky Cove Road with Hard Times Road, and connects to the lower trail which crosses the creek to rejoin Bent Creek Road, making the whole loop about 3.5 miles.
Hard Times Road – 0.8 miles
Beginning at the recreational parking lot, Hard Times Road is a short but steep biking trail that connects to the Pisgah National Forest. Once off Arboretum property, the road drops in elevation and connects with Bent Creek Road near Lake Powhatan. From flat gravel terrain to a more mountainous adventure, the Arboretum offers a variety of biking trails perfect for both families and athletes.
From flat gravel terrain to a more mountainous adventure, the Arboretum offers a variety of biking trails perfect for both families and athletes.