One of the most magnificent homes to ever be built in the U.S, the Biltmore Estate, was opened to the public in 1930 by the daughter of George and Edith Vanderbilt, Cornelia. Today, you can bicycle the Biltmore Mansion and gain an awesome glimpse of the entire property so lovingly built by the Vanderbilt family.

Built between 1889-1895 by business tycoon George Vanderbilt, Biltmore Estate is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by unprecedented beauty. Sitting on 8000 acres of pristine mountain land in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is filled with endless attractions. From a functioning farm/vineyard, a 250 room house, gorgeous stables and carriage house, and a vast variety of outdoor recreational activities to fine dining and shopping, the estate is one of Asheville’s most popular stops.

I enjoy everything about the estate however, I was interested in the more then 20 miles of bike trails that roll across the property. I have always wanted to bicycle the Biltmore Estate and so, I did…and I loved it.

via anoldent

RESERVE YOUR WHEELS INTERNATIONALLY WITH RENTALCARS.COM

When you first drive onto the estate grounds, you will follow the signs to Antler Hill Village. This location has everything: Village Hotel, Winery, The Inn, Biltmore Village and the Bike Barn where you can rent bikes if you did not bring your own.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND ASHEVILLE VIA TRIPADVISOR

Bicycle The Biltmore Mansion

The Trail To The House

We parked in the ample parking provided and crossed the street to begin the Lagoon Trail which will take you to the house. Be sure to say hello to two gorgeous draft horses before pedaling down an easy paved path winding through fields. (Biltmore Estate is a functioning farm)!

Pedestrians and bicyclists share and enjoy this lovely path. Hardly any pedaling is necessary as it is mostly smooth gliding. There are no hills here at all and the path is easily navigated by anyone plus, the scenery is breathtaking.

This same paved path parallels the beautiful French Broad River with places to park your bike and relax on a bench overlooking the water. I found this to be very lovely.

Continuing on, you will encounter a breathtaking lagoon and bamboo forest. This is a great photo op of a picturesque Biltmore mansion rising in full grandeur on a hill behind the lagoon.

At this point, the bike path is still very flat and an extremely easy ride with no hills or really any grades at all.

After this point on our bicycle the Biltmore Mansion journey, the paved trail turns into a flat dirt path winding through corn fields before a brief crossing to the other side of the street. OK, so here it begins to get more difficult as you enter Deer Park Trail.

You are now on a dirt trail ascending up a large hill that is fairly steep. The path is mostly dirt and not too rocky however, it is a serious uphill climb. I will admit that, at this point, we did have to get off and push the bikes for it’s a decent grade and continues steadily uphill for quite a distance.

Pushing your bike at this point is a plus because it does allow you to really see the estate from this elevated vantage point. We bike-walked through absolutely gorgeous rolling countryside stopping frequently to admire breathtaking views.

Stops to catch a breath were rewarded with spectacular scenery, especially at the point when we crested the hill and could see the mansion sitting in majestic splendor amongst the trees. What an amazingly beautiful spot this is to put down the kick stands, grab a water bottle and take it all in.

JETRADAR SEARCHES ALL AIRLINES TO FIND YOU FLIGHTS AT LOW COST

Now it is easy sailing because you are now on a narrow dirt path considerably more level as you bike towards the house. Even though it’s dirt, it is a well packed and really nice trail. Once there, you will see other bikes parked in the grass close to the entrance of the mansion grounds.

The Biltmore Estate And Gardens

And now, you can explore the largest mansion in the United States. It is an awesome experience to walk the grounds, to listen to the history and to simply gaze out at the incredible Blue Ridge Mountains. Scheduled house tours are available as well as self guided tours, either of which I strongly recommend for the rooms and décor are exquisite.

Plan to spend several hours exploring the estate for it is a treasure of visual delights and experiences.

The gardens adjacent to the mansion are magnificent and you should make every effort to walk through this immaculate natural artwork. Every season brings about the display of varying plant species and decorations and provides a lovely stroll to stretch bike-stiff legs.

These gardens are transformed beautifully each season to reflect the plants that thrive at that particular time of year. A popular feature to the garden are the 250 varieties of rose bushes which were a part of the original features of the estate grounds.

As there is no loop, you will bike the same way back and it is a blast. The hill that you either bike-walked or pedal-huffed up is now a rollercoaster of downhill FUN.

Antler Hill Village And Winery

Antler Hill Village via pquan

Upon returning to Antler Hill Village, there are restaurants and shops to again, stretch the legs out and explore. Be sure to visit the winery, you will thoroughly enjoy the store and the wine tasting. (We love the Biltmore Chenin Blanc and Rose)

If you are still in a mind for more trails, behind the Bike Barn and the inn are more trails in the form of loops that navigate you back into the forests of the estate. These trails vary in difficulty and length but all are equally beautiful.

MORE AVAILABILITIES AT LISTED INNS! MORE OPTIONS! BOOKING.COM ASHEVILLE

Biltmore Estate provides an exceptionally enjoyable adventure to all members of the family. Whether you shop, love wine, ride horseback, enjoy gardens or are history and architectural buffs or ride bikes, it’s all situated on one stunning location.

I hope you enjoy your bicycle the Biltmore Mansion experience.

For another great day in Asheville, we thoroughly enjoyed the NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM

To help you get ready for your vacation or just because you like to shop, I am always updating and changing Vacation Lifestyle Shopping.

Thank you for stopping by. Booking through this site with these established advertisers supports this website at zero added cost to you. THANK YOU!

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS

CLICK IMAGE OF RESORTS AND INNS TO RESERVE YOUR STAY

Plus, if you are having trouble finding a place to stay or are looking for a home away from home, typically VRBO (VACATION RENTALS BY OWNER) can provide more options.

INN ON BILTMORE ESTATE