Trail Running at Bracken Mountain Preserve in Brevard

Run Wild: Taming Bracken Mountain Preserve's Trails

Trail running at Bracken Mountain Preserve feels like stepping into nature’s secret playground. This 395-acre haven, tucked just outside Brevard, offers a web of trails that weave through dense hardwood forests, past tumbling creeks, and up challenging ascents that’ll test even the most seasoned runners. Here, every step takes you deeper into a landscape brimming with life and the quiet hum of adventure.

The heart of the preserve is its signature Bracken Mountain Trail, a 7.4-mile loop that rolls through a mix of winding singletrack and open forest paths. The climb begins quickly, as if daring you to find your rhythm. The trail snakes through thickets of rhododendron, their broad leaves forming a living tunnel that filters sunlight into shimmering green patterns.

Soon, you’re climbing higher, your feet pounding against the carpet of roots and packed dirt. This is where the real magic happens. Switchbacks tease you with fleeting glimpses of the Pisgah National Forest beyond, a promise of something grand just out of reach. By the time you crest the ridge, the reward is unmistakable: a vantage point that unveils Brevard’s rolling hills and the far-off hum of a town alive with mountain spirit.

What goes up must come down, and Bracken delivers a descent worth every lung-burning stride. The trail tilts downward, a rollercoaster of smooth sections and technical challenges. Your focus narrows, adrenaline surging as you dodge roots and rocks with precision.

But Bracken isn’t just about the grind—it’s about the connection. The creeks gurgle encouragement, the wind brushes against your face like a cheer, and the forest seems to pulse in tune with your steps. Each run is a conversation with the wild, one where you leave feeling a little more alive.

Bring good trail shoes, plenty of water, and an appetite for adventure. Bracken Mountain Preserve doesn’t just invite you to run—it insists.

Trail Running at Bracken Mountain Preserve: A Runner’s Guide

Location:
Bracken Mountain Preserve, Brevard, North Carolina

Trail Highlights:

• Signature Trail: Bracken Mountain Trail, 7.4 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (steep climbs and technical descents)
• Features: Forested singletrack, switchbacks, scenic overlooks, creek crossings

Tips for Runners:

• Gear: Wear trail-running shoes with good grip; the trails can be slick after rain.
• Pacing: Save energy for the climbs—the initial ascent is steep and steady.
• Hydration: There’s no water on the trail, so bring a hydration pack or handheld bottles.
• Safety: Watch for exposed roots and loose rocks, especially on descents.

Local Knowledge:

• The trails are well-marked, but downloading a GPS map beforehand is recommended for first-timers.
• Wildlife sightings are common—keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional black bear.
• Bracken connects to Pisgah National Forest via an upper trail spur, offering even more running options for those looking to extend their adventure.

Getting There:
From downtown Brevard, drive west on US-64 for 1 mile, then take Ecusta Road to the preserve entrance. Parking is free, and the trailhead begins just steps from the lot.

Post-Run Refuel:
After your run, head to Bracken Mountain Bakery for a pastry or grab a smoothie at Quixote—both local favorites just minutes away in Brevard. Reward yourself with a beer at The Hub, a hotspot for Brevard’s outdoor community.

Whether you’re chasing elevation gains or seeking solace in the forest, Bracken Mountain Preserve offers a trail running experience that’s equal parts challenging and soul-stirring.