A view from the perspective of a mountain biker, showing the front wheel of the bike on a dirt trail surrounded by autumn leaves and patches of snow, with a forested area in the background. Another bike can be seen to the side, indicating the presence of other riders. Fire Mountain Trail System mountain bike trail.
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 12 mi (19.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +574/ -423 ft
Total: 102 riders
 

Mountain Biking Fire Mountain Trail System

*****   Add a review
#7 of 549 mountain bike trails in North Carolina
#104 in the world

Machine Built, fast flowy trail system. Lots of bermed corners, lots of climbing to enjoy the downhill.

First added by mpeagan on Jul 3, 2017. Last updated May 1, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From the intersection of US 19/441 in downtown Cherokee go north on US 441 (Tsali Blvd) towards the GSNP. At the first traffic light turn left onto Drama Rd, follow signs to Oconaluftee Indian Village. Park in the bus parking lot.
System trails (5)
Easiest difficultyFire Tower*****0.6 mi
 difficultyKessel Run1.3 mi
 difficultyLazy Elk0.6 mi
 difficultySpearFinger1.1 mi
 difficultyUktena1.4 mi
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Fire Mountain Trail System Trail map

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Local Info

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Trail conditions

Fair (Dec 27, 2023)
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Camping & Lodging

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Fire Mountain Trail System videos

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Mountain Bike Trails Near Cherokee, North Carolina

*****
Easiest | 0.6 mi
| 0.6 mi
| 1.4 mi
| 1.3 mi

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Reviews

  • auntshawn
    *****

    I drove up from Fort Lauderdale to ride these trails since I missed them last time I was here. Climbed spear finger and blasted down Kessel. Went up again and flew down Uktena. What a blast!!! I'm surprised I only hiked a bike about 10 yards the whole time. Not bad for a Floridian.

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  • BeefRipRock
    *****

    Saw this as way to get away from my in-laws while staying in Gatlinburg. Turned out to be a blast! The climb had me sucking wind because I live below sea level, but once at the top the effort was worth it. It would take a long time to experience all of the possible lines at this place. I'll never be as good a rider as the folks who say these trails are boring.

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  • bikepaul256
    Reviewing Fire Tower:
    *****

    Not really a trail. According to the guys at the local shop it's pretty much a steep road that's there for emergency responder access if needed. You can ride it, but it's not like the other ones.

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  • Challenger 392
    *****

    Fun machine built trail system with good flow, legit downhill no hike a bike. You have a couple of uphill options starting w a 900' climb then 3 downhill, one being a one way downhill treat, Kessel.

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  • OffTheWall
    *****

    Great flow perfect for my entry level XC hard tall that I ride more like an aggressive full-sus

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  • Aubeez
    *****

    Fire Mountain trail system is a blast. I loved the climbs they can provide a great workout. Kessell Run is a fast and flowy and my favorite part of the mountain. My wife is a beginner and had little problem riding most of the trail system without walking. I ended in the parking lot with a huge smile on my face. It was very worth the trip to Cherokee NC!

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  • Shoeyjosh
    *****

    Wanted to add 5 stars !

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  • Shoeyjosh

    Great flowy trails! Try biking all the way to the tower on top of the mountain for a great view and very challenging ride. Kessel's run is my favorite because of the table tops and rock garden, but all of the trails have their pros.

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  • Mark Mueller
    *****

    Incredibly well done, pro-built trail system with tons of good flow. It's relatively small, but definitely check it out if you're in the area.

    Trails are wide and relatively new with giant berms at the many switchbacks. Everything starts with an 850ft climb, but the ride down is worth it. Kessel Run is the best non-bike-park downhill I've ever ridden, all smooth berms, rollers, and well-designed table tops. It's like Ridgeline in DuPont SF, but smoother, with real jumps, and 50% longer.

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Rider questions