Thirsty for some mountain adventure? Grab a mountain bike and check out western North Carolina’s Dupont State Forest. Hire a local guide to help you navigate the forest, outside of Brevard, North Carolina and get a taste of mountain biking.

While nearby Pisgah National Forest and The Blue Ridge Parkway may get the most press, this 10,000 acre state forest boasts a surprising number of waterfalls, swimming holes, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

After getting fitted for mountain bikes in Pisgah Forest and leaving a shuttle at an alternate parking area, we parked at the Guion Farm Access Area and headed out Hickory Mountain Road, a gently undulating gravel road.

The slightly experienced group headed down the first singletrack of the day on the popular Ridgeline Trail, with a thrilling assortment of switchbacks and obstacle options for the intermediate or advanced rider. The less experienced group stuck to gravel until we all convened at Lake Imaging, where a small dock and a covered picnic area made for an ideal lunch spot.

Our group stuck together up Lake Imaging Road, which meant a tough, uphill climb before meandering back down to a foot trail leading to Grassy Creek Falls, one of the less populated waterfalls of the forest.

Back on our two wheeled mounts, we headed over the impressive covered bridge above High Falls, where several horseback riders and hikers had stopped for a breather and a drink. A short downhill stint lead us to another ample picnic area offering a great view of High Falls plus an impressive stone fireplace remaining from an earlier era in the forest’s history.

From the bridge, we headed downhill for a close look at Triple Falls, which, as you might have guessed, boasts three large falls separated by shallow pools amongst enormous boulders. From Triple Falls, the adrenaline-searching group headed down the Galax Trail before we met at the Hooker Falls Parking Area to finish our tour and grab our shuttle car.

Dupont successfully mixes a wide variety of trail difficulty with fantastic scenery, making a day like ours with many skill levels a successful endeavor. The forest’s gravel roads allow plenty of room for a child bike carrier, and the trails are also clearly marked and well maintained, ensuring we will return to explore a bit more on our own.