There’s a new gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Old Fort!
The Old Fort Gateway Trail System officially opened six miles of new multi-use trails to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The new trails are the first phase of a larger project that will add 42 total miles of new trails to this region of Pisgah National Forest over the next six years. Read more about the collaboration behind the Old Fort Trail Project here.
More than four miles of the new trails are designated as easy and are designed to be accessible to hikers and mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. An additional two miles of intermediate trails are also open to horseback riders, and the trailhead provides easy, handicapped-accessible access to Curtis Creek for trout fishing.
The new trail system is located just south of Curtis Creek near Old Fort, right in the heart of one of the first tracts of land to become Pisgah National Forest. A brand new parking area at the trailhead boasts accessible restrooms and picnic tables, as well as parking for 100 vehicles.
To get to the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead, travel northeast along Main Street (Us-70 E) from historic downtown Old Fort. After about 1.8 miles, turn left onto Curtis Creek Road (State Road 1227). Continue 1.5 miles and the trailhead will be on your left.
For more adventures, check out our guide to the best hiking and waterfall trails in the Blue Ridge!
