5.0
(11)
432
riders
8
rides
Road cycling around Horse Shoe, North Carolina, is characterized by picturesque rolling hills and scenic views of the French Broad River. The region offers a diverse network of paved roads, providing varied experiences from gentle rides to routes with significant elevation changes. Its proximity to natural areas like Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest further enhances the appeal for road cyclists seeking no traffic routes. The landscape features a mix of open roads and tree-lined sections, catering to differentโฆ
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.9
(8)
33
riders
17.5km
00:55
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
31.1km
01:20
220m
220m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Sign up for free
6
riders
83.3km
04:14
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
8
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Piney Grove Cemetery is one of the oldest historic cemeteries in Western North Carolina. Situated on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church established in 1794, it is the final resting place for several prominent families, such as the Davidson's, Patton's, Alexander's, Connelly's, Stepp's, and Burnett's. All of whom played important roles in the area's history. Additionally, it is the burial site for veterans from various conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and more recent military engagements.
0
0
Front Lake is a small reservoir at the entrance to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and the trailhead for Memminger Trail. The reservoir is sometimes drained for maintenance, but it is a sight when it is full.
0
0
Front Lake is a small reservoir at the entrance to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and the trailhead for Memminger Trail. The reservoir is sometimes drained for maintenance, but it is a sight when it is full. If you run the Memminger Trail to the south from here, it crosses over Memminger Creek, which is running down from the lake.
0
0
This lake and the surrounding area is a very picturesque place that will help you disconnect from everything. It has several spots around where you can sit and enjoy the landscape or take some photos.
1
0
Now holiday accommodation, the mill waterfall cascades down into King Creek just next to the road. It's a cute little spot that shines a light into the history of the area.
0
0
This is a quiet and peaceful place with many people enjoying the beautiful surroundings on foot or by bike.
0
0
Front Lake is a small reservoir at the entrance to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and the trailhead for Memminger Trail. The reservoir is sometimes drained for maintenance, but it is a sight when it is full. If you hike the Memminger Trail to the south from here, it crosses over Memminger Creek, which is running down from the lake.
0
0
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Horse Shoe, catering to various skill levels. You'll find one easy route and seven moderate options to explore the scenic area.
The routes around Horse Shoe feature picturesque rolling hills and well-paved surfaces. While some routes offer minimal elevation gain, others can involve significant climbs, requiring good fitness. The French Broad River often provides scenic views along many routes.
Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Trailside Brewery & Cafe loop from Horse Shoe. This route is approximately 19 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.
While cycling, you'll often encounter the scenic French Broad River, which winds through the area. The region is also close to natural attractions like Holmes Educational State Forest and offers views of rolling hills. You might also pass by points of interest such as Glassy Mountain Summit or Front Lake, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
Yes, for a more challenging experience, routes like the Osceola Lake โ Osceola Lake loop from Horse Shoe River Access offer nearly 70 km of riding with over 800 meters of elevation gain. Another option is the Bill Moore Community Park loop from Horse Shoe River Access, which is similar in length and elevation.
The no-traffic road cycling routes around Horse Shoe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.97 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, beautiful rolling landscapes, and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the French Broad River valley without vehicle interference.
Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Horse Shoe are designed as loops. For example, the Trailside Brewery & Cafe loop from Horse Shoe and the Piney Grove Cemetery loop from Horse Shoe River Access are both excellent circular options.
Horse Shoe offers pleasant cycling conditions through much of the year. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be warm but still enjoyable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Winters are generally mild, allowing for cycling on many days.
While specific cafes directly on every route may vary, the region around Horse Shoe is known for its local establishments. The Trailside Brewery & Cafe loop from Horse Shoe explicitly includes a brewery and cafe, offering a convenient stop. The proximity to towns like Hendersonville and Brevard means you're never too far from options for food and drink.
For additional information about the Horse Shoe area, including local attractions and visitor resources, you can visit the official tourism site for Hendersonville and the surrounding region at visithendersonvillenc.org.
The easy-rated routes, such as the Trailside Brewery & Cafe loop from Horse Shoe, are generally suitable for families looking for a relaxed ride on paved, low-traffic roads. These routes offer a good balance of scenic beauty and manageable distances.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.