Macon County North Carolina Bike Trails

Big Creek Loop
Nantahala National Forest
Length: 9.4 miles Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
In addition to the tremendous views of the exposed rock faces on this route, there are views of the falls and cascades on Big Creek.
The loop may be ridden in either direction. The view of the rock faces on the Fodderstacks, Rich and Blackrock Mountains are more dramatic if the return is made on FS 401. Grades on Walking Stick Road and FS 4567 are equally steep. This loop is suitable for hybrid bikes. Cars and trucks use all segments of the loop, but traffic is generally light on the gravel sections. There are two short paved sections where traffic is heavier. Start east on Horse cove/Bull Pen Road (paved), and turn right onto the gravel Walking Stick Road (SR 1608). After crossing a bridge over Big Creek, watch for FS 4567, which is on right. This road winds and twists up to FS 401. Turn right. The short piece of pavement ends at the landfill. Continue on the gravel to the starting point.
Directions: From Highlands drive 3.1 miles on Horse Cove Road to FS 401 (Rich Gap Road). Park in pull off on FS 401 near the Old Poplar tree. Head & End: Junction of FS 401 (Rich Gap Road) and Bull Pen Road in Horse Cove.

Big Indian Loop
Nantahala National Forest
Length: 8.0 miles Rating: Moderate
Standing Indian Basin is a horseshoe shaped drainage formed by the Nantahala River, born amid the basins high peaks. The forest is managed to provide a variety of recreation opportunities, diverse wildlife habitats, and timber products. Trails combine with roads to offer a variety of riding opportunities. Horse trails are marked with orange blazes.
Directions: From Franklin head west on US 64 and turn left, heading south onto old US 64. Go about two miles and turn right onto FR 67. Follow this road past the entrance to Standing Indian Campground. Parking is available in pull-offs along this road.

Brush Creek
Nantahala National Forest
Length: 6.0 miles Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
The initial descent down to Houston field is steep. The section around Smith Camp is up and down, while the section on old Flat Mountain Road is fairly level. The route has several views of mountains and valleys. There are also clear cuts and thinnings.
Route is on FS 4539 (Brush Creek), which was recently improved by incorporating parts of old logging roads, a new section around Houston field and Smith Camp, and the lower end of Flat Mountain Road. Start at the gate on FS 4539 and cycle down on the gravel road. Toward the end of FS 4539 and the approach of Emmaline Gap, the road has been seeded to grass for wildlife management. Turn back at this point. Only hiking is permitted in Emmaline Cap.
Directions: From Highlands drive 3.1 miles on Horse Cove Road to FS 401 (Rich Gap Road). Park in pull off on FS 401 near the Old Poplar tree.

Clear Creek Loop
Length: 8.8 miles Rating: Moderate
This loop is suitable for hybrid and city bikes because one-quarter of the route is on a paved road, while the remainder is on hard packed gravel. Attractions include Wilson Lake, camp and picnic areas, and two small waterfalls visible from the road.
Be cautioned about cars and dogs in the residential areas of Clear Creek community. The loop starts down Clear Creek Road, and includes Blue Valley Road (FS 79) and a return on FS 367. An optional detour may be made for Wilson Lake on FS 301. All turns are to the right. There will be one short climb where the grade is ten percent. For the most part the average grade is 4 to 5 percent.
Directions: From intersection of US 64 and NC 28 in Highlands, drive south on NC 28 2.1 miles to Clear Creek Road. Turn right onto Clear Creek Road and continue 1.3 miles to FS 367 which is on right after a sharp hairpin turn. There are 4 to 6 parking spaces on the shoulder of FS 367.
Head: Intersection of Clear Creek Road (SR 1613) and FS 367, Little Yellow Mtn. Rd.