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26.7 miles
Distance
4,513 ft
Climb
-4,519 ft
Descent
5,156 ft
High Point
-4 ft
Altitude change
1,603 ft
Altitude min
1,614 ft
Altitude start
1,611 ft
Altitude end
-64.4%
Grade max
36.4%
Grade min
14 miles
Distance climb
12 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat
IMPORTANT:
Old Mitchell Toll Road is closed to mountain bikers October 1 thru January 30 due to hunting season.
This route starts at the Old Fort Picnic area and takes you on a multi hour paved road and double track climb to reach the start of the aptly named Heartbreak Ridge. All of your efforts are rewarded with a truly epic descent. Your day will end with the many switchbacks and infamous "Heckler's Rock" on Star Gap. A short cool down on Mill Creek Road brings you back to your starting point.
Be aware that this route is very remote so be prepared with plenty of food and water. Also note that this route traverses various private lands, so be respectful and act accordingly.
Detailed Description
Heartbreak Ridge-Big Loop is a 27 mile popular expert route located near Old Fort North Carolina. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 4,513 ft with a max elevation of 5,156 ft then descends -4,519 ft.
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Stats
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Distance27 miles
-
Altitude min1,603 ft
-
Altitude start1,614 ft
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Altitude end1,611 ft
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Climb4,513 ft
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Descent-4,519 ft
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Grade max-64.4%
-
Grade min36.4%
-
Distance climb14 miles
-
Distance down12 miles
-
Distance flat1 mile
18 Reviews & Comments
Jjp2439
Do not use Old Mt Mitchell Toll Rd from October through January. It is closed to mtbers due to hunting ground, and they are serious.
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlack Diamond
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Route TypeLoop
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eBike Allowed
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Bike typeAM
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DirectionOne Direction
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Physical ratingHard
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youtuber
![Mountain Biking Heartbreak Ridge Upper to...]()
mtb
Mountain Biking Heartbreak Ridge Upper to Lower | Pisgah National Forest | Old Fort, NC
trail: Star Gap
21:14 | 64 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 12, 2026
youtuber
![Mountain Biking Heartbreak Ridge Upper to...]()
mtb
Mountain Biking Heartbreak Ridge Upper to Lower | Pisgah National Forest | Old Fort, NC
trail: Heartbreak Ridge
21:14 | 56 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 12, 2026
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