GSMNP Deep Creek Adaptive Mountain Biking - Athlete Registration

Join Catalyst Sports and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for an off-road adaptive cycling adventure in Deep Creek!

Discover the rich natural and cultural history of this corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Led by a GSMNP Ranger, this scenic excursion will take riders along Deep Creek where we will roll past waterfalls, across bridges, and up a winding gravel trail, while stopping periodcally to hear stories about the ecology and history of this rugged watershed.

This ride is appropriate for all experience levels. Morning and Afternoon sessions available.

Please see the details below for information on the ride's distance, elevation, and profile. 

We look forward to having you join us for an educational and enjoyable adventure!

Please note: due to limited resources, only adaptive athletes are able to borrow a bike for this ride. Any friends/family wishing to join in will be required to bring their own mountain bike. This ride requires a moderate amount of fitness for non-ebike riders.

Trailhead Location:

Deep Creek Picnic Area

2431 W Deep Creek Rd

Bryson City, NC

Yellow Circle = Staging Area

Blue Rectangle = Reserved Accessible Parking

Volunteer Parking = Other available trailhead parking

Ride Route Description

Ride Distance: +/- 7 miles total (Dependent on group progress & speed)

Elevation Gain:  532ft

Trail Surface:  Gravel Road, Gravel Trail, Large/Loose Rocks

Ride Description:  Start at the Deep Creek Trailhead with accessible parking & bathrooms.  Catalyst Sports will be onsite to fit you to an adaptive bike & provide instruction on how to safely operate the adaptive bike.  We will then depart as a group & ride along Deep Creek Trail & Indian Creek Trail.  The ride from the parking lot will be a +/- 3 mile climb past waterfalls, lush forests, & running creeks.  The group will stop in several spots along the way to learn about the area from a GSMNP Ranger.  At the furthest point, the group will turn around & descend back to the parking lot.
SEE RIDE PROFILE HERE

Schedule:

8:15 am: Volunteers Arrive onsite

8:45 am:  Riders borrowing Catalyst bikes for the 9:30am depature should be ready to be fit to your adaptive bike at 8:45am.  This will allow time for us to fit riders & give basic instructions on operation

9:30-11:30  AM Ride:  The ride will depart at 9:30am.  

11:30 - 12:30:  "Bring Your Own" Lunch

12:30:  Riders borrowing Catalyst bikes for the 1pm depature should be ready to be fit to your adaptive bike at 12:15.  This will allow time for us to fit riders & give basic instructions on operation

1:15 - 3:15:  PM Ride: The ride will depart at 1:15pm

Note:  This ride is weather dependent.  If cancellation occurs due to weather, we will delay ride to Sunday 7/12/25.

Essential Eligibility for Adaptive Mountain Biking

• Rider has a permanent, disabling condition

• Rider must be older than 8 years old

• Rider must be <250 lbs

• Rider can make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.

• Rider can follow all safety precautions identified by the instructors.

• Rider can hold their head upright without any head and/or neck support.

• Rider can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet, as well as any other safety equipment appropriately.

• Rider can understand and follow multiple-step instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.

• Rider can transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance

• Rider can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and can make decisions quickly in variable terrain.

• Rider can demonstrate they can independently peddle, steer, stop, start and ride the bike over, around, up, and down a variety of terrain deemed appropriate for their experience level.

If you have questions regarding this event, please email shane@catalystsports.org.