Description for Flint Ridge
This trail gets a bad rap for the amount of climbing required (there is a lot), however the all the grinding is well rewarded. You may curse the nine switchbacks as you make your way up, but just keep the payoff in mind. The trail is more technical then Tsali so be aware of that if planning to give it a try or bringing a beginner along. Bring a camera the views are amazing!
Comments/Reviews for Flint Ridge
1. Great flow
by drc, Sunday, September 09, 2012 9:12 AM
| Overall Review: | 3 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 1 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 2 of 5 |
Flint Ridge is a short, non-technical trail, but it gains/loses about 800' over 4-5 miles, so there is definitely some climbing involved. Most of this is incurred on the front end, as you ascend on a series of switchbacks out of the upper end of the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center.) This is a very beginner-friendly trail and should generally be rideable by anyone who is in good shape. It is typical of North Carolina riding-- trees ... dirt ... trees ... dirt ... oh, look, a rock! For intermediate riders, the trail is a great place to work on switchbacks, and it has great flow on the downhill sections. In general, though, it's not a destination trail-- more of a trail you can ride if you're already in the area and looking for something to kill an hour or two. There are a few good views of the Nantahala Gorge from up on the ridge.
Watch out for several road crossings, at which it is easy to lose the trail. There is also one section through which the trail follows the road. In general, all of these sections contain one or two signs with "Flint Ridge" and an arrow pointing toward the continuation of the trail.
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