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Bracken Preserve

Mountain bike trail conditions · Pisgah & Brevard, NC 35.246° N  82.766° W   2,766 FT Verified

PRIME: Rideable now

Sun 11pm Conditions turn Caution.

Recent rain
No measurable rain in the past week
Today
83°Flight rain
  • Thu 9/10, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Fri 9/11, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Sat 9/12, 1.09 inches of rain, modeled conditions: PRIME then STAY OFF
  • Sun 9/13, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF then CAUTION then PRIME
  • Mon 9/14, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Tue 9/15, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Wed 9/16, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Thu 9/17, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Fri 9/18, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Sat 9/19, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Today, Sun 9/20, 0.11 inches of rain, modeled conditions: PRIME then CAUTION
  • Mon 9/21, 0.06 inches of rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION
  • Tue 9/22, 0.47 inches of rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION then STAY OFF then CAUTION
  • Wed 9/23, 0.07 inches of rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION
  • Thu 9/24, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION, forecast preview, beyond the free window
  • Fri 9/25, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION, forecast preview, beyond the free window

Updated Sep 20, 2026, 12:40 UTC. Modeled hourly. Verdict last changed: Sep 13. Official closures and current trail conditions take priority.

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Is Bracken Preserve rideable today?

Yes. The live verdict is PRIME, rideable now. No measurable rain in the past week.

CHANGED
Sun 1310am
Dried back to CAUTION.
Sat 126pm
Rain moved in. Verdict dropped to STAY OFF.
Over the tracked history, Bracken Preserve has been rideable on 9 of the last 10 days, and under a caution advisory on 1. Loam also considers soil, slope, tree cover, and drying time.

Soil and terrain at Bracken Preserve

Bracken Preserve is a mountain bike trail network in Pisgah & Brevard, NC. The soil is sandy and drains fast. Heavy tree cover can slow drying after rain. The terrain averages a 8.4° slope at 2,766 ft and mainly faces ESE. Its rolling slopes drain steadily. Trails here include Cat Gap Loop, Stony Knob Trail and John Rock Trail.

How we check ourselves

How these factors affect drying

SoilSandy

Sandy, coarse soil sheds water fast. These trails are among the quickest to recover after rain.

CanopyDense 95%

Heavy tree cover shades the soil and blocks wind, so these trails dry slowly and can hold morning damp even after dry days.

TerrainSheds water

Water runs off this terrain rather than pooling, which helps the surface dry out after rain.

FAQ

Can you ride Bracken Preserve right now?

The current estimate for Bracken Preserve is PRIME: rideable now. Rain returns in ~2 days. No measurable rain in the past week.

Is Bracken Preserve muddy right now?

Loam currently estimates dry conditions (PRIME). Sandy soil usually drains quickly. No measurable rain in the past week.

What is the soil and trail surface like at Bracken Preserve?

Bracken Preserve sits on sandy soil that drains fast. Sandy, coarse soil sheds water fast. These trails are among the quickest to recover after rain.

How long does Bracken Preserve take to dry after rain?

Bracken Preserve usually needs only a few hours to recover after light rain. Its terrain sheds water, which speeds drying. Heavy tree cover slows drying further.

Can you ride Bracken Preserve after rain?

Sandy soil drains quickly, though heavier rain can leave soft spots. Wait until the surface is firm. Check the current estimate before heading out, and turn back if your tires leave ruts.

Does Bracken Preserve get snow in winter?

Rarely. Bracken Preserve sits low and mild enough (around 2,766 ft) that snow seldom affects riding; conditions are driven by rain and drying. Loam still flags FROZEN on the rare freeze.

What trails are at Bracken Preserve?

Trails at Bracken Preserve include Cat Gap Loop, Stony Knob Trail, John Rock Trail, Bracken Mountain Trail and Brushy Creek. This is a partial list. The condition estimate covers the whole network, so individual trails may differ.

What's the terrain and elevation like at Bracken Preserve?

Bracken Preserve sits at roughly 2,766 feet, faces mostly ESE, and averages a 8.4° grade with about 95% tree cover. It is exposed to morning sun, and the rolling terrain drains steadily.

When is the best time of year to ride Bracken Preserve?

Snow rarely affects Bracken Preserve. Check recent rain and allow time for the ground to dry. The live verdict above reflects today.

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Network profile

Network profile

Soil
Sandydrains fast
Drainage
Sheds waterdries quickly
Tree cover
95%Dense
Elevation
2,766 ft
Average grade
8.4°
Predominant aspect
ESE-facing

Named trails

  • Cat Gap Loop
  • Stony Knob Trail
  • John Rock Trail
  • Bracken Mountain Trail
  • Brushy Creek

This is a partial trail list. The condition estimate covers the whole network. Trail names from public agency data and © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Around Bracken Preserve

Nearby networks

Davidson River3 MI Pisgah Ranger District4 MI Pisgah National Forest6 MI DuPont State Forest10 MI North Mills River13 MI

Every Pisgah & Brevard network →