Mountain Biking Adventures with NOC

Trails and Rides for All Experience Levels

The mountains surrounding NOC offer some world-class mountain biking opportunities, with challenging terrain and great scenery. Trade in those car keys for a helmet and see the woods from the seat of a front-suspension mountain bike. It's a highly fuel-efficient form of transportation! Make a mountain bike ride a part of your visit to NOC, whether you're an avid rider or just looking to get the family out in the fresh air.

Flint Ridge Trail at NOC

This relatively-new trail at NOC was designed specifically for mountain bikers. It features technical riding as well as some rolling single-track. From the Bike Shop, the ride is about 4.5 miles, with a loop at the end. You'll also enjoy some incredible views of the Nantahala Gorge. Since this trail is completely on NOC property, it is open year round and not accessible to horses.
Flint Ridge Special: After noon, a three-hour bike rental is half price!

Tsali Recreation Area Mountain Biking

Just minutes from NOC is Tsali Recreation Area, regarded as the Southeast's mountain biking mecca. This system of four trailts totals 42 miles on a peninsula on Fontana Lake. It is close to where the Tuckaseegee River used to merge with the Little Tennessee River, now submerged beneath the lake's waters. Riders can expect to see tight curves, hilly passes and views of the lake while pedaling through.
Trails

Open to mountain bikers Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Right Loop - 11 miles
Left Loop - 11.9 miles

Open to mountain bikers Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Thompson Loop - 7.7 miles
Mouse Branch Loop - 9 miles

Forest Service management alternates trail days between mountain biking and horseback riding to minimize risk for all visitors.

In addition to a system of four maintained trails, Tsali also features a campground, boat launch for Fontana Lake, restroom facilities and even a bike wash. Tsali Recreation Area is maintained by the USDA National Forest Service, Cheoah Ranger District. Stop in NOC's Bike Shop for printed information on Tsali.

NOC Bike Shop Special

Rent the same bike for 3 or more days and receive a 15% discount on the overall rental price! See our full range of rental options in the NOC Bike Shop.