Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Asheville

Download an app like Trailforks or AllTrails BEFORE going out there. Cell service is limited to mainly peaks so you most likely won’t have much or any service in the parking lot. Trails aren’t marked well. Additionally, some trails have been user added. These unsanctioned trails are definitely not going to have trail markers and may or may not be on Trailforks. There are bathrooms at each of the three parking lots. (The Rice Pinnacle lot bathroom is the smelliest bathroom of all National Forests’ bathrooms. It’s pretty bad… like something is wrong with it.) The bathrooms at the other ones are typical primitive toilets, but they’re in good working order. Bent Creek is a black bear sanctuary. And it’s normal to see bear out there. I’ve never had a problem. But, please, do a quick Google search of how to avoid and react in a bear encounter. (Bear experts do NOT recommend bear bells… they even think that the may attract bears.) Hunting is allowed for other animals in Bent Creek. Information about when this is is difficult to find. But if you’re there in the morning you’ll be more likely to see a hunter. And it’s a good idea to wear bright colors.

Great hiking and mountain bike trails. Make sure to hit greens lick if you can handle the climb up - it’s a gnarly downhill with lots of features rocks and drops.