Lots of options for every level of hikers or mountain bikers. Recommend using All Trails or MTB Project for trail guidance, lots of side trails etc.

This is such a nice area to hike in. Get our print a map to not get lost. Bicycles- mountain bikes share these trails. Dogs are welcome ON LEASH! Unfortunately, the photo is of this obnoxious, self-entitled, selfish gal kept letting her dog jump up on me trying to get at my 16 lbs service dog, whom I had to pick up and turn my back to this loose dog. My friend kicked her dog off of me. The dog owner went ballistic.

Besides the Forest, the NC Arboretum is nearby. Great ground, a small restaurant, gift shop, and special events. For Adults and Kids.

This is a wonderful park close to Asheville, not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It lies next to the Arboretum, which is its own joy. Incidentally, if you care to hike to the Arboretum from outside the property, it's free. But be mindful of when fence gates open and close. Most of the trails loop back on each other in one way or another, and are marked, and even on cold winter days you'll see other hikers, so not much chance of getting lost. Otherwise follow the river downhill... One of the more popular trailheads in the area, off Wesley Branch Road, is the Hard Times Trailhead, which includes parking. From here there's a pleasant hike through washes over a hill to Lake Powatan, where you'll find a pier for fishing and a small pleasant beach. Also, a campground. The walks are exquisite, despite bikers,hikers and runners, and even as you are constantly reminded with signs that many of the tree species here are under great stress, from harmful bacteria, fungus, invading plant species particularly quick growing vines, and the various subtleties that come with climate change. And there's something else in this forest: during the season, hunters. And so you may see one, inevitably men in heavy camou, with rifles or mechanized crossbows, slings of arrows and a chair... Signs at the trailhead warn you NOT to wear brown or green clothing; best is orange, and have your dog wear that color as well. Incidentally, you would think that here of all places dogs would be welcome; they are NOT. And to make the point, beyond what's spelled out at the trailhead, someone has scrawled in black magic marker on all the signs in the forest a warning: Leash your dog at all times, it's the law. Perhaps, a frustrated hunter who doesn't appreciate dogs chasing his quarry, which include White-tailed deer. You have to remember this is North Carolina, one of whose great writers was James Dickey, the author of Deliverance. It's also an open-carry state. From the Citizen Times, in Asheville: According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, there were 27 hunting-related accidents during the 2017-2018 hunting season in North Carolina, including five deaths, the highest number in the past six years. All five fatalities involved falls from tree stands. Notes: Deer hunting season with black powder in Western North Carolina is open through Oct. 13. Archery season is Oct. 14-Nov. 18 and Dec. 9-Jan. 1, 2019. Deer hunting with modern firearms opens Nov. 19, the Monday before Thanksgiving, and closes Dec. 8. Bear hunting season in Western North Carolina is Oct. 15-Nov. 17 and Dec. 10-Jan. 1.

I was in AVL for a conference and wanted to go for a trail run. I learned to run trails in Bent Creek so this was basically going to see an old friend. The trailheads can get busy during good weather. If you can carpool that would be best. During high volume times, people park alongside the road. Use caution doing this and it is best if you have all wheel drive. Also, there are quite a few spots in lower parts where you will not get cell signals. Higher on the trails you do get signal. There are bathrooms at the trailheads, but these are the “outhouse” type. No water. They do stink, but hey, nobody should be pooping on the trail. Speaking of, bring bags for your doggies. There are trashcans at the parking areas. It would be very helpful to have a map. The local hiking and bike shops will have these. REI in Biltmore Village will have them as well as books about the area. Nat Geo maps are great as well. Bent Creek consists of double and single track. If you are just in for a quick jaunt, go around lake Powhatan just up from the Hardtimes Trailhead connection. It is single track with some smaller rocks and roots. It will take you by the beach. It also has some mountain views. Always a great stop after a hard day on the trail. +/- lifeguard. My little kids have done this hike. Part of the hike is on a closed paved road. If you need just a little more and have some time, the Pinetree Loop is near the bridge and campground connecter. It is a little more challenging but very flowy. Note: these trails are done in both directions. Watch for oncoming traffic. Have fun and I recommend a map or GPS. You may see wildlife and odd looking people, but hey, it’s AVL. Respect the trails.