Some rides are just part of the routine. Others are milestones.
For me, "Opening Weekend" at Brown Mountain was the latter. This wasn't just about getting the first laps of the season in; it was the final opportunity for an overnight camping trip with friends before our baby arrives. I left Asheville early to secure a spot for our group of seven on Brown Mountain Beach Road, ready for a weekend of grippy rock, milestone memories, and gear testing.
The area: Brown Mountain OHV
Brown Mountain sits tucked right next to the Linville Gorge, just below the Grandfather Mountain Escarpment and bordered by Wilson's Creek. It's an area defined by rugged nature and some of the most dramatic views in North Carolina.
The terrain here is unique for the region. It features a "Sierra" soil type with rock that is incredibly grippy. Even when it’s dusty—as it was for opening weekend—the traction is phenomenal. It’s the kind of place that rewards you with unparalleled control on technical sections.
Gear
Opening weekend served as the perfect field lab for our newest gear. I was running final samples of our new hydration pack and updated hip pack, which we’d just distributed to our Founders Club and new ambassador, Brandon Blakeley.
The standout design changes are the updated harness, grippy back panel ‘bumpers’ and updated patterning for the main body. It performed flawlessly, keeping the load centered and stable through the chunk and offering a clean, streamlined profile that didn’t snag on low-hanging branches. Being dialed on gear meant we could focus entirely on the ridge lines.
Finding the flow
Brown Mountain has something for everyone, from flowing ridge-line connectors to technical rock gardens that will test your line choice. Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon loop or a full day of backcountry exploration, here are some of the favorite trails to hit in the area
Trail 1A
The essential technical connector. It’s a great way to get warmed up and feel out the soil conditions for the day. You'll find big embedded rock layers and fast, flowy sections that keep you on your toes.
Trail 3
Pure Brown Mountain grit. This is a technical, rewarding stretch that is full of that signature grippy rock. It's one of the best spots to feel the unique traction this area is known for.
Trail 2 (Bear Cave)
The high point—literally. This trail pays off with the best overlook in the forest. Known as Bear Cave, the overlook lets you stand on a massive rock slab with a direct view of the Linville Gorge, including Table Rock and Hawksbill.
Trail 9
The classic rocky descent. It’s rocky, fast, and the perfect way to wrap up a big day on the ridge. Expect technical rock shelves and a few steep switchbacks that lead you back toward the staging area.
After a hot, dusty day on the trail, there is nothing better than hitting a swimming hole and having a fire. Opening weekend was a reminder that while the riding is the catalyst, it’s the community and the environment that make the trip.
Terrain details
Terrain: Sierra-type soil with incredibly grippy rock slabs. Expect technical OHV-style single and double track with plenty of roots, rocks and technical line choices.
Best seasons: Spring and Fall. Opening weekend (April) is a rite of passage. Summer can get hot, humid, and the OHV and camping areas are closed from Jan. 1 to April 1st.
Trail stats
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Location |
Brown Mountain OHV Area, Morganton, NC |
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Key trails |
1A, 3, 2 (Bear Cave), 9 |
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Parking |
Brown Mountain OHV Main Lot |
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Route style |
Technical single track and rough double track |
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Difficulty |
Intermediate–Advanced |
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Distance |
~15–20 miles depending on variations |
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Best for |
Technical riding, massive views, and primitive camp sites are available along the gravel entrance road |
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From Asheville |
~1 hour 15 minutes east |