Off the Beaten Track Vol. 1: A Guide to Mountain Biking in Western North Carolina-Smokies
  This is the original Off The Beaten Track mountain bike guide that started the series. Now revised and updated, it includes 35 routes in far western North Carolina, in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This book covers the famous Tsali Recreation Area trail system, but it's not limited to Tsali, and you shouldn't be, either. Volume 1 describes many more great rides, from an easy eight-mile cruise along the Nantahala River to a 15-mile climb to the top of Cheoah Bald at 5,062 ft., to trails in the remote Panthertown Valley near Cashiers.
Each route description includes a detailed map, directions to the starting point, mileage, estimated riding time, trail highlights, and elevation profile. And like all the volumes in the Off The Beaten Track series, this book includes guidelines for riding in the National Forest, lodging and camping information, and area resources for cyclists, including local bike shops.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Using This Guide
- North Carolina Public Lands
- Locator Map
- Trail Advocacy
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY
- Panthertown Valley
- Sassafras Gap
- Boggy Creek
SYLVA–CHEROKEE AREA
- Wolfpen Gap
- Wayehutta
- Moses Creek
- Mile High
- Big Witch
- Heintooga
BRYSON CITY–NANTAHALA AREA
- Deep Creek
- Indian Creek
- Swinging Bridge
- Flint Ridge
- Townhouse Mountain
- Winding Stairs
- Nantahala River
- Old River Road
- Cheoah Bald
TSALI RECREATION AREA
- Left Loop
- Right Loop
- Mouse Branch
- Thompson
- Right Loop Alternate 1
- Right Loop Alternate 2
- Horse Branch
- Shell Stand Creek
- Shell Stand Road
FONTANA AREA
- Stecoah Gap
- Wauchecha Bald
- Lewellyn Cove
- Turkey Chute
- Elmer Hollow
FAR WEST NORTH CAROLINA
- JoAnna Bald
- Hanging Dog 1
- Hanging Dog 2
APPENDIX
- Local Bike Resources
- Lodging & Camping
About the Author
Jim Parham spends part of almost every day on a bicycle. He can often be seen riding trails or competing in mountain bike races. His Off The Beaten Track Mountain Bike Guide Series includes several other guides to off-road cycling in the eastern United States, covering more than 2,000 miles of the Southeast's best mountain bike trails. He lives with his wife and son in North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains.
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