Beech Mountain’s 51 miles of bike routes have a storied history, as they were once a final stage of the Tour Du Pont, as well as one of Lance Armstrong’s favorite routes on his road to recovery. With climbs of 1,400 feet in only three and a half miles, Beech Mountain offers challenging rides for even the most advanced cyclists, as well as scenic routes for those content to “just cruise along.”

All routes begin at the Visitors Center, and most trails are through paved residential areas. Others will take you by Buckeye Lake and the Recreation Center.

Get trail maps and more information at www.bikebeechmountain.com

Avid mountain bikers now have a superb new venue in Western North Carolina.

The Beech Mountain Adventure Trail Park officially opened its Emerald Outback section May 1. The eight-plus miles of Emerald Outback trails range in elevation from 4,700-5,400 feet, giving the park the distinction of being among the highest such venues on the East Coast.

There’s a nice combination of single track, double track and gravel road trails traversing the mountaintop, all accessible from a trail head in the town of Beech Mountain.

Click here to view the Emerald Outback Trail map.