Description:

The Big M
Skill Level: Intermediate
Trail Head: Pisgah / Ranger Station
Length: 11.8 miles
Elevation Change: 2,540 feet

This is a classic route on some favorite trails. You start climbing on gravel roads followed by a killer downhill on the famous Black Mountain Trail. Then a great single track loop on the scenic Sycamore Cove Trail.

Directions to Trail Head:

Take I-26 to exit #40 (Airport Road / Hwy 280). Turn on to Airport Rd. (Hwy 280) heading south and go 16.0 miles. Turn right on to US-276, enter Pisgah National Forest and go 1.5 miles. Turn right in to the Ranger Station parking area.

Route:

• Exit the ranger station parking area and turn right on hwy 276
• right on FS 477
• right at the horse stables and climb up FS 5058 (Claw Hammer Road)
• right on FS 5022 (Maxwell Cove Road)
• At Presley Gap turn right on Black Mountain Trail
• At intersection turn right and continue down Black Mountain Trail to the bottom
• This puts you very close to the parking area. People can bail at this point or continue on for part 2
• left on to FS 5061 (Grassy Road)
• Bear right at the end of the road onto Grassy Road Trail
• Left on Sycamore Cove Trail
• Right on hwy 276
• Return to the parking area