Country’s first year-round dedicated downhill bike park to open in WNC

While Bailey Mountain Bike Park is aiming for a soft opening in June with five trails including a jump line, its long-term plans are much more ambitious. Located near Mars Hill, the park hopes to eventually incorporate more than 30 trails (including a lighted dual-slalom track for night riding); a chairlift; a full service retail bike shop offering repairs, rentals and sales; concession outlets providing food and refreshments; and on­-site campsites and four-person cabins.

“Our facility revolves around riders. Our goal is to make the riding venue second to none,” said Matt Haynes, owner and COO of Bailey Mountain. “The elevation and natural features are spectacular. They are the main reason we chose to develop this piece of land. Once fully evolved, the trails will be a premier riding venue and destination.”

Until the majority of its infrastructure is in place, the park will offer limited access to small groups of riders by reservation only. Riders interested in being among the first to ride the park are encouraged to make a reservation at BaileyMountainWNC.com.

 From Bailey Mountain Bike Park’s press release:

Mars Hill, NC (April 15, 2015) — Bailey Mountain announces plans for the first year-round dedicated downhill mountain bike park in the United States today, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for commercial gravity riding in North America. Construction will begin immediately with a target opening date in June 2015.

Bailey Mountain Bike Park will open with five trails including a jump line initially, but plans entail building more than 30 trails with natural features.

“We are developing Bailey Mountain as a dedicated riding destination to serve gravity riders from enthusiast to pro level—not only in the Southeast, but worldwide—seeking a world-class year­-round riding and training facility,” said owner and CEO, Guy Miller.

Just 20 minutes north of Asheville near Mars Hill in Western North Carolina, Bailey Mountain features pristine terrain ideal for downhill and gravity riding with more than 1,000 vertical feet of elevation. In addition to the ride features and trails, Bailey Mountain will offer residential lots for sale within the park for people seeking the opportunity to live where they play.

Upon opening, riders will be shuttled to the summit, but the owners plan to install a chairlift. Other facilities slated to open within the park this year include a full service retail bike shop offering repairs, rentals and sales, as well as concessions including refreshments and food. The park will offer on­-site campsites and four-person cabins. Showers and restroom facilities will also be provided.

Initially, Bailey Mountain Bike Park will offer limited access to small groups of riders by reservation while trails are built and completed. The Park will open for full public access within a couple of months at a yet to be determined date once the majority of the infrastructure is in place. Riders interested in being among the first to ride the park are encouraged to make a reservation at BaileyMountainWNC.com.

“Our facility revolves around riders. Our goal is to make the riding venue second to none,” said Matt Haynes, owner and COO of Bailey Mountain. “The elevation and natural features are spectacular. They are the main reason we chose to develop this piece of land. Once fully evolved, the trails will be a premier riding venue and destination. The only thing better than our riding will be our service.”

To learn more please visit BaileyMountainWNC.com.

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