Located in the Grandfather District of Pisgah National Forest, this is the must-do gravel loop if you're looking for an adventure. It can be done as a day trip or turned into an overnight bikepacking trip if that's more your style.

This route is one of the best long gravel tours you'll find in the Grandfather District. It's more or less uphill for the first half, then hits its high point along the Blue Ridge Parkway just below Grandfather Mountain. The return trip is almost entirely downhill. This route includes plenty of epic views, including some of Grandfather Mountain.

The Two Gorges Gravel Loop is considered by many to be the most epic bikepacking and gravel loop in the region. Possible as both a day or overnight trip, this 75-mile route is no easy feat, but offers "incredible scenery, plenty of camping opportunities, and a speedy 20-mile descent," according to local athlete Logan Watts. The views are nothing short of epic, especially as you skirt the western rim of Linville Gorge and return along the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek Gorge.

Other than an out-and-back, this is the best way to form a loop with Curtis Creek Road. Closed to traffic during parts of the winter and early spring, this gravel climb is rather steep, and lower gearing is a must, unless you prefer hiking your bike instead. Ridden clockwise, this ride has a little bit of everything: quiet gravel roads, mountain streams, epic views on the Parkway, then ends with a tour along the Catawba River.

A quick look at the elevation profile for this loop, and you'll quickly understand why this route has been rated as severe. Unless you prefer hiking your bike to riding it, low gearing is a must to ride this loop. Many locals have completed this on a gravel bike, but this would also be a great loop on a hardtail—or even a full suspension bike if the trails are too muddy to ride.

Asheville-based bike shop Motion Makers considers this loop a local favorite and perfect for any "strong rider who wants a serious 70+ mile loop starting in Asheville." Much of this route is paved, including the entire stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but Curtis Creek offers a screaming fast descent down a quiet gravel road closed to traffic during the winter and early spring.

This half-gravel, half-greenway loop is a great alternative when the Kitsuma Loop is too muddy, snowy, or wet. Though Pisgah is renowned as an all-seasons destination, Kitsuma is composed heavily of clay and is one of the worst options to ride during or immediately after wet weather. Don't let the wet weather sway you though, this ride is loaded with plenty of views and is never too challenging!