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U.S. Forest Service proposes fees for mountain bike trails

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 8, 2023

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to change fees at two recreation areas of the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests, including mountain bike and horse trails in Bent Creek, North Mills River, South Mills River and U.S. 276 corridor of the Pisgah Ranger District.
The public is invited to provide input to proposed fee changes through Aug. 22. The goal of these changes is to improve visitor experiences through site and trail upgrades the fees would fund. After public comment is received, the Forest Service will assess the comments and concerns and present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) at a future date.
 
Proposed fees include:
*These fees would only apply to mountain bike and equestrian use. The Pisgah Complex consists of the Bent Creek, North Mills River, South Mills River, and U.S. 276 corridor areas in the Pisgah Ranger District.
 
Additionally, the following fee proposals went through the required public participation process in 2019 and are awaiting review by the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee:
  • Brown Mountain OHV Trail System – increase from $5 to $15/trail vehicle per day, and increase from $30 to $60 for the optional annual pass**
  • Roan Mountain Day Use Area – increase from $3 to $5/vehicle per day and optional $30 annual pass***
  • Swan cabin – increase from $25 per night to $50 per night
  • Tsali Mountain Bike and Horse Trail System – increase from $2 to $5/rider per day, and increase from $15 to $30 for optional annual pass
  • Wayehutta OHV Trail System – increase from $5 to $15/trail vehicle per day, and increase from $30 to $60 for the optional annual pass**
**As proposed, these fees would be phased-in over a two-year period
***The full suite of Interagency Passes would be honored