The right (western) fork, which is open to mountain bikes, leads to FS 471D, which some riders use as part of a large loop; otherwise, they must backtrack down Butter Gap Trail. *The portion of the trail between Cat Gap Loop (#120) and Long Branch Trail (#116) is open to mountain bikes seasonally, from October 15 through April 15 only. This is to minimize safety concerns on a heavily used trail.
Approximate Elevation Change: 1000 feet
Blaze: Blue
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The "new" Butter Gap trail is awesome, and unlike anything else in Pisgah at the moment. Bike-optimized, the trail features great flow and quality rock work to keep it playful. It's not all downhill though; there's a pretty significant climb in the middle before you descend to the bottom.
| Thank2024 brought a “new Butter Gap” as it was rerouted on the upper and middle sections. Getting there still requires lots of climbing, but is worth it. Beginning with the Searcy Connector, the ride is a mixture of flow, serious climbs that include technical challenges and raucous downhill sections. The fun doesn’t end until you reach the hatchery parking lot.
| ThankReally fun trail that is rooty and slightly washed out, but not too bad and gets flowier as you go down. There is a nice waterfall on the rightside on th lower section.
| ThankOne of my all time favorite trails. Long climb, but totally worth it. The upper section of the downhill (before meeting up with Cat Gap trail where Longbranch trail connects) is sublime beyond description. The bottom half (through Picklesheimer fields and back to the fish hatchery) is just plain fun. However, this trail is not recommended for beginners.
| ThankRiding up this trail is no fun, however the ride back down is worth the sucky climb. Lots of roots, somewhat technical, bring your skills.
| ThankVery technical. Lots of rock and roots.
| ThankThree miles of grueling climb from the hatchery, then some more climbing, then some more. Then you get these epic technical downhill sections which make the climbing completely worth it. Trail is very fun and challenging.
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