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

I must warn you, that this post comes with a 25-year backstory. But I’ll keep it as brief as I can. For those 25 years, my friend Richard has been trying to get me to ride mountain bikes at Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort.

Over the years, our mountain biking crew would head up to ride cross-country or race downhill. This was back when downhill bikes still had elastomer forks, and if you had upgraded to speed springs, you were considered cutting edge.

While I enjoyed all types of riding, downhill never caught my interest. Maybe it was the specialized bikes and gear needed, or the thought of mastering the skill felt daunting. Whatever the reason, I kept putting off a trip to Snowshoe… until this week.

This 3-day trip was set to include two days of cross-country riding, and I’d be joining my friends Jay and Lisa for the adventure. Since my current bike is rigid, I needed to rent an enduro bike to handle the cross-country trails. It’s funny how technology from motorcycles has found its way back to bicycles—after a bit of adjustment, I was glad I decided to rent this beast.

I’ve ridden in the mountains plenty over the years, but this was my first time navigating the Spruce forest, tangled with rocks and roots, in the way I did on this trip. On our first day, after what felt like hours of pedaling, we finally made our way to the top of Cheat Ridge.

Snowshoe Fire Tower is located atop Cheat Ridge.

At an elevation of 4,730 feet (1,442 meters) atop Cheat Ridge stands the Snowshoe Fire Tower. I had no idea this iconic tower was part of our route, so imagine my excitement when I learned that it was accessible. I’ve always wanted to climb a fire lookout tower and take in the panoramic views above the forest.

Originally called the Rich Mountain Fire Tower, this historic structure was built in 1925. It stood in Randolph County until 1999 when it was sold to Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort. In 2000, the tower was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current perch, where it continues to offer breathtaking views. 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 climbing 80 steps, you’re elevated 60 feet above the forest floor, rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that stretch endlessly. At one point, there were 8,000 fire lookout towers across 49 states, playing a crucial role in protecting our National Forests. However, due to neglect, budget cuts, and the rise of new technology, only about 2,000 towers remain today, with only a few hundred staffed during fire season.

Advancements in technology—like satellites, cameras, FLIR systems, and drones—have largely replaced the need for these towers and the fire lookouts who once manned them. As these modern tools become more accessible, we risk losing these iconic structures, which are often sold for scrap or repurposed as rental accommodations for overnight stays, further diminishing their historic significance.

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 pushed my technical skills and tested my ability to stay on the bike. When Richard asked what my favorite part of the trail was, I realized I had been so focused on navigating the terrain in front of me that I didn’t really take the time to reflect. I was constantly trying to pick my line before the mountain decided it for me. My photos don’t capture the true essence of the trail or its technical difficulty—my memory only recalls it as a blur. It felt like I had simply survived the last two days on the bike.

But, to answer Richard's question, the trails at Snowshoe were more than just roots, rocks, dirt, and trees. They were part of something bigger—an opportunity to learn. I realized that my friends weren’t just sharing trails; they were sharing their love of riding. I’ve been cycling since the late '80s, yet there’s still so much to learn. You don’t fully appreciate how much you rely on the saddle and the inner thighs to keep you steady until you're truly challenged on the bike.

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

During the brief moments when I wasn’t gripping the handlebars with a death grip, hyper-focused on the trail ahead, the sight of the Spruce trees and the moss-covered ground transported me to mental images of the Ardennes Forest and the speeder bike chase from 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?