North Mills River
Forest Service Roads, NC
The Ride Experience
The North Mills River recreation area offers some of the most accessible and scenic gravel riding close to Asheville. Known for its smooth, well-maintained forest service roads (like Wash Creek Road and Yellow Gap Road), it’s the perfect playground for adventure riders looking for a relaxing half-day ride.
You'll ride under dense, shaded forest canopies, cross small streams, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pisgah National Forest. It's a great warm-up route or a fantastic option for riders looking to build confidence on gravel.
Expert Riding Tips
- Watch for Traffic: These roads are popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and campers. Keep your speed in check, especially around blind corners.
- Washboarding: In the dry summer months, sections of the gravel can develop washboard bumps. Stand on the pegs and let the suspension do the work.
- Connect to the Parkway: You can take Yellow Gap Road to connect directly with US-276, giving you easy access back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
While the Pan America handles smooth gravel just fine, the Ténéré 700 makes exploring these forest roads effortless and incredibly fun.
Rent the Yamaha Ténéré 700 for North Mills River.
BOOK THE TÉNÉRÉ 700
BMW F900GS Trophy
The smooth, well-maintained gravel of North Mills River is an easy, confidence-building ride on the F900GS Trophy.
Rent the BMW F900GS Trophy for North Mills River.
BOOK THE F900GS TROPHYHow to Get There
From Downtown Asheville:
Take I-26 East towards Hendersonville. Take exit 40 for NC-280 W/Airport Rd towards Brevard. Continue on NC-280 W for about 5 miles, then turn right onto North Mills River Road. Follow it until the pavement ends.
Est. Transit Time: 30 minutes from Asheville.