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Trip Itinerary
Discover the scenic roads of the Southern Appalachians and vibrant downtown Asheville on a 3-day cycling vacation in North Carolina.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Pick-up location:
The Foundry Hotel, Asheville, NC
Pick-up time:
10:30 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Drop-off location:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Drop-off time:
11:30 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Delta, United, American, Allegiant plus several smaller airlines service this airport.
From the airport, you can call or hail a taxi to take you downtown. It is approximately 15 miles from the airport to the meeting day hotel in downtown Asheville and the drive should take between 25-30 minutes. We recommend that you arrange transportation with a car service ahead of time. The cost will be between $65-70 plus driver gratuity and we recommend Diamond Executive Car Transportation (828-281-8139) or Marvels Upscale Transportation (828-280-1698) for your transportation needs.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. You’ll then shuttle 30 minutes to Marshall, a small town on the banks of the French Broad River. Please have your first day's cycling clothes easily accessible, separate from your luggage, or you may choose to wear your cycling clothes (your luggage will be stored at The Foundry Hotel and delivered to your room later in the day). You'll enjoy a fresh, delicious lunch at Zadie's Kitchen and, after a brief orientation and safety talk, saddle up to begin the day's ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call The Foundry Hotel (828-552-8545) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
On the last day of your trip (which is the fourth day after your trip begins, as you will note in the day-by-day itinerary below), you will say farewell at 9:00 AM to your guides and the other guests who are booked on the 6-Day version of this trip. You are then free to explore downtown Asheville or relax at the hotel. A private shuttle will take you to the Asheville Regional Airport at 11:00 AM. Expect to arrive to the airport by 11:30 AM and please do not schedule a flight before 1:30 PM on this day.
Welcome to Asheville!
Overview
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Foundry Hotel at 10:30 AM. After a 30-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive in the small community of Marshall and will enjoy lunch on the patio of Zadie's Kitchen. Afterward, your guides will lead a short round of introductions and fit you to your Trek bike. Then you'll head out on today's ride, which follows the French Broad River before crossing into the communities west of the river and eventually ending at your downtown Asheville home for the next three nights. Take some time to settle in before gathering for a drink in the Workshop Lounge and getting to know your fellow travelers. You'll hear about all the fun and adventure in store for you in the days ahead from your guides, then you'll walk just a few blocks to Chef Jacob Sessoms' celebrated restaurant, Table, know for it's pioneering New Appalachian cuisine.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Dinner at Table
Chef Jacob Sessoms, two-time James Beard nominee, serves seasonal American cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients at Table.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Marshall to Asheville - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 2,270 ft | 690 m
Explore Leicester and enjoy a naturalist-led walk
Overview
This morning, enjoy breakfast at The Refinery before riding through the rural community of Leicester, northwest of Asheville and home to many scenic farms. Those who wish to add some extra miles and elevation at the end of this ride may tackle a local’s favorite—the gentle slopes of Town Mountain. Afterwards, grab lunch at a downtown café before regrouping for a 20-minute shuttle to a nearby section of Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll enjoy a guided walk with our local naturalist to learn about the plants, wildlife, and history of this biologically diverse area. Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring Asheville’s shops, galleries, breweries, and lively street scene, all within walking distance of the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight with an array of downtown options just steps away.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Learn from a naturalist
Stroll a beautiful Appalachian forest with a naturalist guide, uncovering the unique flora and fauna of this biodiverse region.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Leicester Loop - Approximately 37 mi | 60 km and 3,460 ft | 1,055 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Leicester Loop with Old Toll Climb - Approximately 41 mi | 66 km and 4,015 ft | 1,225 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Naturalist-led Walk
Ride the gorgeous roads of Madison County
Overview
Amazing riding awaits today on the quiet backroads of western North Carolina. The hills and hollers of Madison County are a favorite among local cyclists and visiting riders alike, with sections featured in events like the Asheville Gran Fondo. After a 30-minute shuttle to the small town of Mars Hill—home to Mars Hill University—you’ll pedal rolling hills to the base of the Grapevine Road climb. Crest the summit and enjoy a smooth descent along scenic Big Laurel Road, which follows its namesake stream for mile after mile. The Walnut Creek climb brings another challenge before a long descent into Marshall, where you’ll join our friends at On Your Bike for a delicious lunch and espresso. Those craving more miles can ride on through the community of Jupiter and back to Mars Hill for the return shuttle. Tonight, enjoy a short walk to the Blackbird Restaurant for a seasonal menu highlighting harvests from local farmers and fresh catches from the Carolina coast.
Hotel
The Foundry Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Drinks with Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Cycle alongside Big Laurel Creek
Ride rolling roads and big climbs with breathtaking long-range views, framed by October’s vibrant fall foliage.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Walnut Creek Loop - Approximately 49 mi | 79 km and 4,650 ft | 1,415 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Walnut Creek to Marshall with Shuttle - Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 3,160 ft | 960 m
Savor one last morning to relax in Asheville
Overview
You will say farewell to your guides and fellow guests (who are continuing on the 6-Day version of the trip) this morning around 9:00 AM, as they depart for Mills River. Since there is no ride today, you have time to savor the rest of your morning with a stroll around town. Pick up an espresso at one of the many locally-owned coffee shops, browse for a few souvenirs, or relax at the hotel. A private shuttle will take you to the Asheville Regional Airport at 11:00 AM. Expect to arrive to the airport by 11:30 AM and please do not schedule a flight before 1:30 PM on this day.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
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Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself