Big South Fork Honored As An International Mountain Biking Destination

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) recently announced at their annual World Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that five trails in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area were named as Epic Rides. The five trails are Collier Ridge, West Bandy, Duncan Hollow, Grand Gap Loop, and the portion of the John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to Station Camp. "The IMBA Epic designation, being very selective, brings with it national and international recognition to trails that are special to mountain bikers including landscape, trail length, and a back country experience. The Epic designation will draw hundreds of new users, many of who use the IMBA designation as a bucket list of must-ride trails," said Joe Cross, President of the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club.

Big South Fork is the first national park unit in the United States to receive the elite Epic Ride designation. IMBA only names a handful of trails for this title. Other Epic Rides named this year include the Warner Lake area in South Chilcotin, British Columbia, Canada, and the Bernina Express, Graubünden, Switzerland. "This is wonderful news for the Big South Fork," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, Park Superintendent. "We have a strong partnership with the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club who have volunteered many hours and worked closely with park staff to improve park trails."

For more information on mountain biking in the Big South Fork, please call (423) 286-7275 or go to the park's webpage.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies