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Bent Creek trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 174 Google reviews · Running trail in Asheville, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bent Creek trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Many of the trails in this area are for both hikers and bikers.
What runners say about Bent Creek trailhead
“I love the trails here due to the proximity to town and how well maintained they are!”
“Well marked (but take a map just in case)”
Bent Creek’s trail system is great. It was not too intense, but it provided some intense downhills with some beautiful scenery. FYI A bear ran out in front of me about 4 miles into the trail, so beware.
Excellent time of the year to hike this. I didn't realize this was also a bike trail, so I hiked counterclockwise to avoid them coming from behind me. I would rate this as an easy trail. The USFS has done an amazing job making this trail a learning experience and keeping it in great shape.
Bent Creek is an absolutely magical place to hike and explore! A small group of us went there to enjoy a plant/ mushroom walk and we didn't actually get too far into any of the trails because there is SO much to explore! I highly recommend you and your plant friends check it out at the pace of botany!
Awesome trails. I'd suggest doing this loop counter clockwise...not the way I did
Trail conditions & character
“**Bent Creek Trailhead – NC Arboretum** Convenient pull-off right inside the Arboretum gate with space for 10–12 cars (free once you’ve paid arboretum entry).”
“I didn’t finish the hike due to the sun going down so I am unsure of any lookouts areas but the trail was quiet with a few streams and lots of nature.”
“Nothing blocking the trail, but be aware the trail is not flat or smooth.”
“(Well, there are usually a few Fred’s out on their gravel bikes regardless of the weather)”
“Rocky and bumpy in places but all areas we walked were secure and safe the traverse.”
Plan your run at Bent Creek trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitehikewnc.info
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Asheville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rice Pinnacle Trailhead
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The North Carolina Arboretum
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Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Hard Times Trailhead
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Kid-friendly hiking area with many trails for mountain biking and walking, plus an arboretum and a lake.
Hominy Creek Greenway
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Park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails, plus a creek where visitors can play.