Start your ride at the trailhead of Laurel Mountain and ride back down Yellow Gap Road to the Pilot Rock Trailhead. Start your climb here. Most of Pilot Rock is unrideable, so its a lot of hike a bike to the top. Once at the top you will connect to Laurel Mountain Connector Trail. Take this trail approximately .3 miles until you see a dead tree laying on the side of the trail that looks like its blocking another trail on purpose. Its not though. Take a right behind the tree and start your 6.5 mile descent and hang on for a great ride.
From Interstate 40 take I 26 East to SR 280 South. Stay on 280 into Pisgah Forest. Take a right onto 276. Stay on 276 until you see Yellow Gap Road (gravel) on your right. Drive to the Laurel Mountain Trail Head (will be on your left) and park. Unload your bike and ride back the way you came to the Pilot Rock Trail which is approximately 4 miles. This way you end up your down hill at your vehicle.
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