Snowshoe Mountain: A Dual Adventure of Thrilling Mountain Bike Trails and Scenic Views

I must warn you, that this post has a 25-year back story. But I will keep that story as short as I can. My friend Richard has been trying to get me to ride mountain bikes at Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort for 25 years. 

Over the years, our mountain biking friends would go up to ride cross-country and race downhill. This was back when downhill bikes still had elastomers in the forks, and if you had upgraded to something like speed springs that was cutting edge. 

While I liked all types of riding. But I never had an interest in downhill riding. It may have something to do with the kind of bicycle or gear needed, or if I felt I needed to gain the skill. Either way, I put off going to Snowshoe for years until this week.

This 3-day trip would entail two days of cross-country riding. We would also partner with our friends Jay and Lisa to ride with us. Since my current bike is rigid, I would need to rent an enduro bike to navigate the cross-country trails. It's funny how the motorcycle was developed from the bicycle, and now we have technology from the motorcycle back to the bike. While it took me some time to get used to the bike, I am glad I pulled the trigger and rented this beast.

I have ridden in the mountains many times over the years. But, this is the first time I have experienced the Spruce forest littered with rocks and roots as I did on this trip. On our first day of riding, after what had seemed like hours. We pedaled our way to the top of Cheat Ridge.

Snowshoe Fire Tower is located atop Cheat Ridge.

Perched high atop Cheat Ridge at an elevation of 4,730ft/1,442m is the Snowshoe Fire Tower. I had yet to learn that this fire tower was on our route. I was even more elated to find out that the tower was accessible. I have always wanted to climb a fire lookout tower and see the views above the forest.

This fire lookout tower was originally called Rich Mountain Fire Tower and was built in 1925. The tower was located in Randolph County until 1999 when it was sold to Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort. The fire tower was dismantled and relocated to its current location in 2000.

Looking west from the fire tower, a ribbon of forest road cuts through the Spruce.

After an 80-step climb, you rise 60ft above the forest floor and are greeted with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. At one time, there were 8,000 fire lookout towers in 49 states to aid in protecting our National Forest. Due to disrepair, budgets, and technology, today only about 2,000 fire lookout towers are left and only a few hundred are manned during the fire season. 

Technology, such as satellites, cameras, FLIR, and drones have caused the demise of the fire lookout tower and the need to man the towers with fire lookouts. As technology becomes more accessible in this field. We will end up losing this iconic treasure of our National Forest. Most are sold for scrap or rented out for overnight stays. 

The view looks north of the tower.

It's funny how doing something as simple as climbing a fire tower will bring back memories of the Smoky Bear Campaign and "Fire on Kelly Mountain," an episode on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1973. 

The ski slopes can be seen from the south of the tower.

Both days of riding tested my technical riding skills and my ability to stay on the bike. Richard asked me what my favorite part of the trail was. Honestly, I had been so focused on the terrain in front of my wheel. I wanted to be able to choose my line before the mountain decided it for me. My pictures do not do the trail justice nor show the technical terrain; my memory only sees it as a blur. I felt like I just survived the last two days on the bike.

But, to answer Richard's question. The trails at Snowshoe are just a part of something bigger than roots, rocks, dirt, and trees. It was an opportunity to learn. I learned that my friends wanted to share their love of riding and the trails they enjoyed. I have been riding since the late 80s, and you can still learn stuff on the bike. You don't realize how much you use the saddle and the inner part of your thighs to ride. 

A pine needle path cuts its way over the moss-covered ground.

During the few seconds, I was not hyper-focused on the trail and holding the handlebar with a death grip force. The Spruce trees and the moss-covered ground took me to mental images of the Ardennes Forest and the speeder bikes scene in Star Wars.

Enchanted Forest Trail. One of the many trails that we rode.

I am getting to the age now that I can't put off 25 years before I do something with a friend. Will I go back to Snowshoe? I'm sure I will, but I also need to work on other adventures I have put on the back burner.

We take the Ballhooter lift back to the top of the mountain where we started.

Embrace the easy ride back to the top. You deserve it!

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about the biking/hikes you have done at Snowshoe Mountain. What is your favorite trail or loop?