Mountain Bike

9.4 miles

Distance

1,614 ft

Climb

-1,691 ft

Descent

3,165 ft

High Point

The trail starts at the Kitsuma trailhead through a gentle forest road next to Interstate 40 then quickly goes straight up as the 14 switchbacks hammer your thighs. When the forest floor is somewhat dry, it's possible, but challenging, to clear all of the switchbacks on the way to Kitsuma Peak. After the initial ascent, enjoy being fooled by a quick downhill before being greeted by the second, steep but short climb. After the two lung-busters, there is a beautiful, mellow ridge ride where you are graced by some nice views of Mt. Mitchell before you start the hair-raising descent.

The legendary 2.8 mile downhill towards the Old Fort picnic area begins with a rocky descent into a quick left-hand switchback. Water bars, doubles, drops and a couple of berms accent the ridiculously fast, sometimes narrow and flowy track through the forest. If the trail is wet, watch the roots on the trail as they may have the urge to throw your wheel off the skinny sections of trail.

Once you wipe the grin off your face in the Old Fort picnic area, turn left on Old US 70, and then take the first left into a paved road closed to motor vehicles. Follow this winding 5 mile mellow climb and then hang a left back on Royal George Road back to the Kitsuma trailhead.

Detailed Description

Kitsuma is a 9 mile popular expert route located near Old Fort North Carolina. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 1,614 ft with a max elevation of 3,165 ft then descends -1,691 ft.

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Trails in Route

	Point Lookout Trail Greenway				5 miles
	Kitsuma

Details

Riding area

Kitsuma Peak
Primary Activity

Mountain Bike
Difficulty rating

Black Diamond
Bike type

AM, XC
Ridelogs

1,962

More Stats for Kitsuma mountain bike route

Avg time

1 hr 30 min
Altitude change

-77 ft
Altitude min

1,618 ft
Altitude start

2,762 ft
Altitude end

2,687 ft
Grade

-0.2%
Grade max

-60.2%
Grade min

69.7%
Distance climb

6 miles
Distance down

3 miles
Distance flat

443 ft

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ATV/ORV/OHV Filter

ATV - 50 inches
OHV, SxS - 60 inches
Jeep - 72 inches

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Winter Trails

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x Missing Trails

status	trail	date	condition	description
	Kitsuma	Mar 2, 2025 @ 1:02pm Mar 2, 2025
	Point Lookout Trail Greenway	Dec 6, 2024 @ 4:59am Dec 6, 2024