Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in the Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests

Abstract

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are an important American mountain biking destination. 

Mountain bikers visit the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests an estimated 435,000 times per  year, with approximately 60% of those visits by residents of western North Carolina. 

Using data from an online survey of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to conduct an economic impact  analysis, the research team finds: 

1. Mountain biking visitors spend an estimated $30.2 million per year in and around  the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. 
2. Mountain biker tourism supports the presence of 366 full-time jobs and  $9 million in job income. 
3. Western North Carolina residents also spend an additional $18 million as a result  of mountain biking in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.