Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge
Pisgah Forest, NC
Sat, Sep 12, 2026
In 19 days · Sat, Sep 12, 2026
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Saturday, September 12th, 2026
1284 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest NC
59–76°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 6 of the last 10 years
2025
56–74°F
dry
2024
56–65°F
dry
2023
62–78°F
rain
2022
59–78°F
rain
2021
53–81°F
dry
2020
67–73°F
rain
2019
67–86°F
dry
2018
64–77°F
rain
2017
54–63°F
rain
2016
63–80°F
rain
Best months to race in North Carolina →
About this race
Race Overview
The Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge is the premiere all-road racing event in the region. Participants are challenged to complete a 69.2 mile course with 8,777’ of climbing along scenic gravel and paved roads. The riders will be treated to some of the finest gravel roads in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, which is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the racing world. Monster-Cross is a dream gravel endurance event where keen race tactics and strategy, along with overall fitness, proper gear selection, and sheer luck are key to success.
Rest Areas
- Locations: Three Rest Areas along the route
- Supplies: Stocked with water, food (PB&J, fruit, salty snacks, sweet snacks, bars)
- Services: First aid and neutral mechanical support available
- Experience: Scenic views with challenging terrain
Course Details
The detailed course map and cue sheet are provided for participants.
Downloads
- Map: Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge -- Map (zip file)
- Cue Sheet: Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge - Cue Sheet (zip file)
- GPX File: Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge - GPX (zip file)
- GPS Link: Map on RideWithGPS.com
Schedule of Events
- Friday: 5:00PM-10:00PM – Registration and sign-in open
- Saturday: 5:30AM-7:30AM – Registration and sign-in open
- Saturday: 7:45AM – Participant meeting
- Saturday: 8:00AM – Event Start
- Saturday: 9:00PM – Raffle drawing (You do not need to be present to win)
- Saturday: 10:00PM – Event cutoff
Rules
- Fun: Have fun!
- Helmet: Riders must wear an approved cycling helmet at all times while on the bike
- Original Bike: Riders must complete the event on the bike they started on. No bike swaps during the event
- Support: Riders may NOT receive outside support during the event. Participants may support each other
Venue
Sign-in and Start/Finish will be in the field directly across US276 from Davidson River Campground in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Directions
1284 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
- From Asheville: Take I-40 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
- From Spartanburg: Take I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
- From Charlotte: Take I-85 South to Gastonia and exit at U.S. Highway 74 West. Merge with I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
Parking and Safety
- Parking: VERY LIMITED parking at the Start/Finish. Please park at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center overflow parking lot
- Traffic: All roads will be open to vehicle traffic, obey local traffic laws
- Course Marking: All turns will be marked with large orange arrows and Pisgah Productions branded tape
- Required Gear: Approved cycling helmet, rain jacket, and mobile phone
Other Information
- Rest Areas: Available at mile 19.7, mile 35.7, and mile 46.5
- No Drop-Bags: Be prepared to carry personal items
- No SAG Wagon: Use your mobile phone in case of medical emergencies
- Weather: The event will be held rain or shine
Lodging
- Motel: The Sunset Motel
- Campground: Davidson River Campground
- Hotel: Hampton Inn Brevard
- Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Brevard
Refund Policy
Sorry, No refunds.
Race Registration
For more details and to register, visit Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge Registration.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Pisgah Forest to train with before race day.
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