France and Italy may be the icons of cycling vacations, but Asheville, North Carolina, is quickly joining their ranks. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville and its surrounding countryside deliver everything a cyclist could ask for: challenging climbs, serene backroads, world-class food and drink, and a vibrant culture that welcomes riders.
Here’s why an Asheville cycling vacation with Outfitter Bicycle Tours deserves a spot on your bucket list!
World-Class WNC Road Rides
Asheville is surrounded by some of the best road cycling in the United States. The routes are varied, the scenery is spectacular, and the climbs are nothing short of legendary.
Climb Mt. Mitchell
From Asheville, one of our favorite routes takes you up the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway toward Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. At over 6,600 feet, this ride is a sustained climb that challenges even advanced cyclists. The reward? Panoramic views, open pastures, winding mountain roads, and a feeling of achievement that lasts long after the descent.
Blue Ridge Parkway & Brevard
Head west and you’ll find yourself in Brevard, a small mountain town embraced by the Pisgah National Forest. The ride up Highway 215 to the Blue Ridge Parkway is a stunner, endless forest, rushing streams, and crisp mountain air. After a spin along the Parkway, drop down Highway 276 for a thrilling descent. Don’t forget to pause at Sliding Rock or Looking Glass Falls, two of the area’s most iconic waterfalls.
Gravel Adventures in Pisgah
Gravel riders are spoiled for choice here. From Brevard, you can pedal deep into the Pisgah National Forest, following Cathey’s Creek up to Gloucester Gap. Along the way, you’ll pass hidden waterfalls, thick woods, and finally descend to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, where you can refill bottles or stop at the fish hatchery. Quiet gravel roads, forest canopies, and rolling terrain make this a perfect ride for adventurers.
Mountain Biking Mecca
Western North Carolina has become a destination for mountain bikers worldwide. The terrain is rugged and thrilling, with something for every skill level.
Black Mountain, Pilot Mountain, and Bennett Gap are technical, challenging, and beloved by seasoned riders.
DuPont State Recreational Forest is home to the famous Ridgeline trail, a flowing descent that puts a smile on every rider’s face.
Whether you’re after gnarly terrain or family-friendly dirt riding, Asheville delivers.
Relaxed Spins with Big Rewards
Not every ride in Asheville has to push the limits. For a gentler day, explore the Biltmore Estate, where easy trails wind through gardens, farmland, and forests. Afterward, stop at Antler Hill Winery for a glass of award-winning North Carolina wine. It’s a cycling day that blends exercise with pure indulgence.
Asheville is “Beer City, USA”
Cycling and beer culture go hand in hand, and Asheville has earned the nickname Beer City USA for good reason. With more than 60 breweries in Western North Carolina, you’ll never be far from a cold pint after your ride.
Highlights include:
- Wicked Weed Brewing: a downtown favorite for locals and visitors alike.
- New Belgium Brewing and Sierra Nevada: nationally recognized names with impressive taprooms.
- Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard: a cyclist’s hub with craft beers and post-ride camaraderie.
Whether you prefer a crisp pale ale or a rich stout, Asheville has something to suit every taste.
Foodie Heaven
Asheville is also a nationally recognized foodie destination. The downtown scene buzzes with restaurants that focus on local farmers and fresh ingredients. From casual cafés to fine dining, the variety is impressive.
One standout is Cúrate, a Spanish tapas restaurant by acclaimed chef Katie Button. Cozy, lively, and always packed, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want a reservation well in advance. Expect bold flavors and plates designed for sharing, the perfect way to celebrate a great day on the bike.
Why Asheville Belongs on Your Cycling Calendar
What makes Asheville special is the balance. You can test yourself on one of the toughest climbs in the U.S., then relax with a farm-to-table dinner and a craft IPA. You can tackle technical singletrack one day, then enjoy a gentle spin through vineyards the next. The variety ensures that every rider, no matter their style, finds something to love.
And with Outfitter Bicycle Tours, you don’t just get routes, you get curated itineraries, GPS navigation, and the local knowledge that ensures you ride the best of Western North Carolina.
Plan Your Asheville Cycling Vacation
Asheville offers everything a cyclist could want: epic climbs, gravel adventures, world-class mountain biking, incredible food, and a beer scene like no other. It’s proof that you don’t have to cross an ocean to find a cycling paradise.
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Explore our Asheville & Blue Ridge Explorer Bike Tour and let us design a cycling vacation that blends riding, eating, and exploring in one of America’s most dynamic regions.
