Riding Gravel Bikes on Maple Sally in Wilson Creek

Riding Gravel Bikes on Maple Sally in Wilson Creek

Maple Sally Road—affectionately dubbed “18-Mile Road” by locals—delivers an unrelenting gravel grind through the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills. For gravel bike enthusiasts, it’s a proving ground. Winding across the eastern slope of Wilson Ridge, this iconic route meanders up, down, and around—then repeats the cycle, relentlessly. By the time you’ve hit the halfway mark, the name "18-Mile Road" will feel more like a mantra than a description.

Remote and rugged, Maple Sally offers the kind of ride that sticks with you, long after the dust settles on your tires. Streams chatter as they weave alongside the road, waterfalls tumble down ridges, and the wildlife adds its own quiet drama to the scene. This is the kind of forest road that feels alive, its beauty revealed in fleeting glimpses between the grind.

Wilson Ridge, a formidable chain of peaks over 2,500 feet tall, looms to the west of the road, offering glimpses of the high trail that runs its spine. While adventurous souls might be tempted to link up the Wilson Ridge Trail with Maple Sally, it’s a serious endeavor—better left to those craving a grueling challenge. For a more approachable taste of the area, the Loose Mountain Loop offers a shorter, rewarding alternative.

Riders can access Maple Sally from either end, though starting from the north offers a more forgiving elevation profile. Those beginning at the south end can find parking near the Collettsville ballfield or along Brown Mountain Beach Road. Wherever you start, this ride will test your endurance, reward your persistence, and leave you craving another run.

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Adventure Guide Summary: Riding Maple Sally Road

Trail Overview

• Length: 18 miles one-way
• Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
• Terrain: Gravel forest road with rolling climbs and descents

Points of Interest

• Streams and small waterfalls along Wilson Ridge
• Wildlife sightings in the remote forest
• Loose Mountain Loop for a shorter ride option

Access Points

• South End: Park at the Collettsville ballfield or Brown Mountain Beach Road (some pavement riding required).
• North End: Park at the end of Schoolhouse Ridge Road (FSR 4068) and connect via Route 90.

Pro Tips

• Start from the north end for a slightly easier ride profile.
• Bring plenty of water; services are nonexistent on this remote road.
• Use a bike with wide tires and good tread for the loose gravel sections.

Maple Sally Road isn't just a ride—it’s an odyssey. Come prepared, and you’ll leave with stories worthy of the trail.