Pisgah Magic Orbea Trail Tales

Pisgah National Forest is a vast natural area in the Appalachian Mountains, renowned for its extensive network of roads and mountain bike trails. For many, however, it is much more than just a trail network. A community deeply connected to the land has grown around this special place, bringing together riders, trail builders, volunteers, associations and local businesses who work to protect it and keep its trails open.

That connection took on even greater significance in September 2024, when Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, causing widespread loss of life and extensive damage. Restoring the trails became part of the region’s enormous rebuilding effort, but also a way to regain a sense of normality. After weeks marked by devastation and loss, returning to the forest, working on the trails and riding bikes gave many people a chance to switch off, feel better and leave the consequences of the tragedy behind, even if only for a few hours.

The new episode of Trail Tales, “Pisgah Magic,” takes a closer look at this recovery process, meeting some of the people behind it and exploring what makes the relationship between the forest, its trails, and its community so special.