Headed up there tomorrow to hang at Lake Nantahala for a few days. I’m not a mountain biker, but thought I’d try it out while I was up there. Any suggestions? I’m staying just down the street from the Lakes End in case anyone knows where that is.
Tsali right and left loops probably (a little less technical than Mouse, Thompson). Lots of good riding there, but they might have gotten hammered by the recent rains.
The trail system is beautiful and not very technical. But as the previous poster said, they might not be in great shape.
I’m betting most of the trails are in pretty good shape, even with the recent rain. I was up there about 12 years ago (I know, a long time ago) immediately after a big tropical storm came through and the trails were in good shape. A little mud in the lower elevations, but they drain really well. The Thompson loop is my favorite. Long, gentle climb followed by one of my favorite downhills in the world.
In the same area there are a few other trails that aren’t as well known. If it’s still in print, I’d pick up “Off the Beaten Track Vol 1: A Guide to Mountain Biking in Western North Carolina-Smokies” (http://www.amazon.com/Beaten-Track-Western-Smokies-Mountain/dp/1889596167/ref=pd_cp_b_3). It’s not expensive and has a lot of fun rides.
It has actually rained hard here for the last 8 days or so.
Call the Nantahala Outdoor Center @ 888-905-7238. Good place to rent a MB if you need one and can give you info on all of the local trails. Have fun, it’s a beautiful area!!
In that case, how is the fishin’?
If you call the NOC they can tell you about the trails and a possible plan B. The trails could still be fine and those people at the Nantahala Outdoor Center will know best.
Plan B should be whitewater kayaking out of the Natahala Outdoor center. With all the rain it should be a big time.
Superb idea. Is the kayak facility in the same vicinity as the bike shop? Also, I was assuming that that the bike shop was right next to the start of the trails…???
The outdoor center does whitewater trips along with the outdoor shop that has bikes. Call them and ask them what the conditions for various things on and decide what to do…I did a week long whitewater kayak trip there a bunch of years ago and had a great time.
Awesome. Thanks everyone.