Events - Event View

We are doing a lollipop, departing from a trailhead along Curtis Creek, outside of Old Fort. We have 12 miles of gravel up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then 8 miles of pavement, crossing the BRP, follow along the S. Toe River, take a right on Hwy 80 then left on BRP. Then return to gravel down Curtis Creek Rd to your car. Minimum on 38 mm tires. Bigger is better for the chunky gravel on the descent. The math works to 136’ per mile. That’s a lot. I intend to stop often, rest, re-group then slog onward. The scenery is worth the effort! Bring warm clothing for the descent. We are climbing to cooler temps, then descending. When we cross the BRP, we are six miles beyond the turn-off to Mt Mitchell. Bring all needed water and food. There is no cell service and I prefer that the group stay together.<br />ADDRESS: Park at the “Old Fort Gateway Trailhead, State Road 1227, Old Fort, NC”. Enter this in Google Maps, at home, to download the map, if needed. It is on the right, before you get to the Curtis Creek campground. This is a gravel road. There is room for 20+ cars. <br />DIRECTIONS from Downtown Asheville – 30 minutes: <br />I-40 East – 23 miles; <br />Exit #72 for Hwy 70 toward downtown Old Fort. <br />Continue on Hwy 70 for 3 miles. <br />Turn left onto State Rd 1227.<br />Go 1.5 miles. Turn right into the Gateway Trailhead parking lot which is right before the Curtis Creek Campground. <br /><br />RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41326703 - 29 mi; 3,944’