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Fire on the Mountain

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Cherokee’s new uber accessible mountain bike trail system provides recreation options for riders and hikers of all skill levels in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

The sport of mountain biking has been fast growing around the world. The southeast United States—and North Carolina in particular—have long had some of the more revered trail systems for both enthusiasts and the hardcore alike. The Tsali Recreation Area, the Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and other destinations are synonymous with many mountain bikers—ranked high with places such as Moab, Utah, and Sedona, Arizona—both of which are renowned mountain biking meccas.

While the sport of mountain biking in Western North Carolina has grown tremendously over the last decade, the number of places to ride in the area has, until recently, remained somewhat stagnant and highly localized. If someone knew where to ask or go—and had the wherewithal to venture out into rugged terrain—there were trails to be found and conquered. However, for those looking for something a little more well marked, with the excitement coming more from the thrill of the ride rather than the potential peril of the unknown, options have been limited.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have stepped up to the plate to offer a new trail experience catered to riders of all levels in Cherokee, North Carolina. The Fire Mountain trail network is accessed from the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and hosts seven different trails and over ten miles of multi-use trail—with even more in the works.

Fire Mountain is always open and there’s no admission fee. The purpose-built trail system officially opened in 2017, and it is designed to be ridden but is built in a way that hikers and runners can also enjoy the woods. There’s no need to bring a map and compass - the looped system is well marked and mapped out at not only the trailhead but also at each trail intersection. There are even restrooms at the bottom in the village.

So, what makes it different from the other trails in Western North Carolina? Plenty. 

First, let’s talk about how easy it is to get to. Much of Western North Carolina’s best mountain biking is done off the beaten path. While the trails that herald praise from across the globe are easy to find if you’re a seasoned rider, in the know, or comfortable navigating a little further out, they can evoke a little trepidation, especially since some don’t have clearly defined trailheads, signage or parking.

Next, Fire Mountain is easy to navigate. From the trailhead to every intersection, there is great signage. There are easy-to-read maps and suggested riding directions on the trails. The difficulty level of each trail is clearly noted so if you’re looking for higher speeds, jumps, and banked berm turns you’ll know where to find the “Kessel Run” trail that offers plenty of that and more. Likewise, if you’re seeking an easy cruise, it’s straight forward to follow the signs to “Tinker’s Dream.” There’s cell phone service on the entirety of the mountain so if part of your group feel like riding more, you can split up and no one feels totally abandoned.

The trails at Fire Mountain are, as you might suspect, built on the side of a mountain so there’s not a lot of flat terrain. I’d venture as far to say it feels as if nothing there is flat. That’s not something that should deter you though. There is something for everyone who is comfortable on a bike.

With the parking lot at the bottom, riders get the uphill out of the way at the start of their ride. After coming down, the decision of making another ascent is based solely on whether you want more fun and not that you must go up there to get to your car.

Fire Mountain is not remote and as rugged as some of the riding zones in  the region, but that’s what makes it special. It’s easy to get to, easy to navigate, and can be as physically challenging as you want to make it.

As a fairly seasoned rider, I find it to be a great option for a quick ride in the morning or evening. I like to climb to the top, following the “Tinker’s Dream” and “Uktena” trails then fly down “Kessel Run” before heading back up and then down “Spearfinger” for a great couple-hour-long loop. 

There are a number of bike shops in the region but none in Cherokee other than the newest Motion Makers Bicycle Shop, located just in town. While the shop in Cherokee hasn’t been around for all that long, there are two other Motion Makers - one in Asheville and the other in Sylva. After I spent the day tackling the trails, I had the opportunity to speak with Kent Cranford, the owner and entrepreneur behind Motion Makers - a veteran mountain biker himself - about the Fire Mountain trails and how his business plays a crucial role in the area.

As the Fire Mountain trail system was being constructed, Cranford and others noticed an increased amount of buzz being generated. As I mentioned, there haven’t been any “new” mountain bike trails in Western North Carolina for quite some time. Having an additional place to ride was highly supported and anticipated.

“People were already coming from all over the region – before the trails were really even publicized – to ride, so we decided to open a store here in Cherokee,” Cranford said. Another point that Cranford made is that Fire Mountain is the only trail system in the region that allows pedal assist e-bikes. “The tribe took the stance on e-bikes early on that they absolutely want everyone to be included and able to ride here. It’s inclusive,” he said.

The investment of infrastructure for mountain biking is still not all that common in many places. In Cherokee, Cranford said he believes the trails provide a good recreation opportunity for tourists and locals alike.

“It was a smart move on the tribe’s part” to invest in mountain biking, he said. It attracts “a more diverse crowd to the area,” he said, including many who have no interest in gambling at the casinos operated by the Eastern Band.

“It’s also very healthy and promotes a healthy mindset for the folks that live here on the reservation. We have people coming in that are interested in investing in their health and purchasing bikes who weren’t previously cyclists at all,” he said. “One lady came in and bought a mountain bike and really got hooked on riding. She wanted to improve her health and has already lost 50 pounds and is a hardcore mountain biker. It’s cool to see the positive impact the trails are having on the community,” Cranford said.

Don’t have a bike, or unsure which model you want? 

Motion Makers Bicycle Shop rents mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes in Cherokee. Didn’t bring a pickup truck or your bike rack? That’s OK. The shop is a short pedal from the trailhead. It’s also located right on the river trail, one of the only legal places you can ride a mountain bike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That’s a good place to cool down after spending time on Fire Mountain. The river trail is flat and chock full of swimming holes. You can ride right up and jump in to cool off after a hot day of trail riding. You may even see a herd of elk if you’re lucky. Be sure to keep a respectful distance and admire the creatures from afar.

Fire Mountain truly is one of the most accessible and easy to navigate mountain bike trail systems in the region. Whether you live here, are in town on a family vacation or are passing through on your tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fire Mountain is certainly an exhilarating destination.

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