Fire It Up on Fire Mountain!
- padj58
- Sep 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 19, 2024
The Eastern Band of Cherokee, the Ani'-Yun'wiya or "The Real People" built this trail system on a steep piece of land that traditionally was a fire tower watch for the area. Turns out the trails are super flowy, well built, well maintained, steep and some sections that are technical. There is lots of cool construction and a sensation of being remote although the trail system, although it's not too big really. If you're down with jumps and skilly stuff, they have some of that too. These trails are designed for mountain biking but hikers are welcome as well.
SAFETY
This is a 911 area. And cell service is generally good. Cherokee Tribal EMS is familiar with access and response to this area. Watch out for slick surfaces on all wooden structures! That's where most of the beat downs happen. Watch for other riders, as only certain trails are directional and mountain e-bikes are allowed here. Conditioning before you roll on Fire Mountain is helpful in order to have a good time. Body armor seems to be common with some riders here. At least knee and shin protection if you plan to kick it down hill and jump off stuff.
OVERVIEW
The parking area is behind the famous outdoor theatre for "Onto These Hills". You'll drive through their entrance to reach the Fire Mountain parking and trail heads. All of this is well marked. From the parking you'll have to choose your climb to the top and choose which of the descents to take back down. That's right, Fire Mountain is largely climbing or descending. You'll know you're at the top when you see the Raven's Roost hangout spot.
ROUTE CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Tower Road up to Spearfinger to the top and then descent either Uktenka "the snake" or infamous Kessel Run back down to Tinker's Dream and the parking lot.
Tinkers Dream to Lazy Elk to Spearfinger then descent either Uktenka "the snake" or infamous Kessel Run back down to Tinker's Dream back to the parking lot.
Tinkers Dream to Uktenka all the way to the top and then Kessel Run down. You can take Kessel Run down to Lazy Elk and down a little further to the Overlook Lounge at the Drop Zone and then climb back out on Lower Tinker's Dream to Upper Tinker's Dream and back to the parking lot.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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