Bracken Preserve

Like everyone says this is very flowy and different from the pisgah riding a couple miles north except for it is also quite steep, so when you're going down it's FAST. Nothing truly hike a bike worthy if you have fitness with the exception of a few big roots on some sections. I really enjoyed this trail the only thing I wish is that it was longer but luckily Pisgah is nearby.

Great trail. Tough climb at the beginning. Lots of trail markers. It's a bit far drive for me, probably opt for Dupont instead. The terrain at Bracken is different than from South Carolina.

Did the Brushy Creek branch of the trail up and back down which was beautiful. I'm an advanced beginner and heard that the Bracken trail was probably a little too steep and fast. Also, heard that the downhill for Bracken was relatively short after such a grueling climb. I found the Brushy Creek climb rather flowing, not grueling -just had to walk several spots. It was a great place to practice switchbacks because the trail is smooth, not a lot of rocks/roots to distract from the turns. Trails are well-marked. No jumps though, otherwise might have given it 5 stars. Maybe the Bracken trail has jumps? Will see next time...

Big Climb from the start so get ready! But rewarded with a great flowy downhill

Smooth, machine built trail and a stiff climb. This trail is unlike the ones you'll find in the national forest but it's awesome because it's accessible from downtown Brevard and connects into NF trails.

Well-built trail with excellent flow! However it lacks a special something to make it a true 5-star trail. Still a great ride from town, though.

Fun lollipop trail with a lung-busting climb to start for us mortal folks from out of town. A lot of scenic views and marked very well. Tight switchbacks help for the uphill, but aren't as fun on the downhill. Wish this one was in my backyard, I'd surely get in shape fast.

Bracken is a great trail you can access quickly from downtown Brevard. The initial climb is steep, plenty of switchbacks. I'd recommend taking blue (Bracken) up to the first red intersection (Brushy Creek), climb all of red until you reach the yellow connector trail, take that a very short distance and continue climbing blue until you reach the top of the mountain. Catch your breath and then head back down, blue all the way. The downhill feels like it lasts forever, it's super fast and has a great variety of features. If you aren't smiling when you get back to the trailhead you did it wrong!

Killer climb straight out the gate, followed by a few miles of smooth roller coaster downhill. Nothing technical, but the elevation presents plenty of challenge.

The climb is killer, going to be honest and had to hoof it most of the way up, due to having no chance to get warmed up, should have ridden there from downtown. Very well maintained, fantastic switchbacks, super fast. No Pisgah Gnarl to be seen. Kind of a nice change of pace for the area.

Great steep climb to the top of the mountain, all single track with various options to the peak. It can be done as an out and back or continue into the fish hatchery. Drains really well, very manicured compared to other trails in Brevard. The decent is super fun, very twisty and great for basic skills practise.