Tucked into the famed DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, Hilltop Trail (often shown on maps as Hilltop or Hilltop Loop) is the kind of short, punchy singletrack that makes you grin and want to roll it again. It’s most often ridden as a quick, flowy descent off Lake Imaging Road and is commonly stitched into longer DuPont rides that visit Lake Imaging, Locust, Jim Branch and the Ridgeline descent. Though only a mile or less in length, Hilltop delivers smooth bench cuts, a few rhythm sections and places where confident riders can catch air or carry speed — an ideal short burst of flow in one of the Southeast’s most popular riding areas.
Setting the scene — where Hilltop sits in DuPont
Hilltop Trail lies inside DuPont State Recreational Forest (Cedar Mountain / Brevard area), a network of short singletrack, forest roads and granite cascades that together form many rideable loop options. The forest’s established trail map lists Hilltop among its named singletracks and shows direct connections to Lake Imaging Road and nearby trails that lead toward Grassy Creek and High Falls. Park yourself at one of DuPont’s main access areas and you can chain Hilltop into loops that add several miles of rolling singletrack or fast forest-road connectors.
Getting there & trailhead notes
From downtown Brevard, follow the DuPont access roads toward Lake Imaging or the High Falls/Lake Imaging parking areas; Hilltop is most commonly accessed from Lake Imaging Road and nearby Forest connectors. Official DuPont maps and the forest master plan show Hilltop and the surrounding named trails — consult the current DuPont trail map at the land manager before you go for the latest parking and access information. Parking at popular DuPont lots can fill on weekends and holidays; plan earlier or later in the day, or add an off-peak weekday if your schedule allows.
The route — what you’ll ride
Distance and layout: Hilltop is a short singletrack (commonly shown as ~0.8 miles on some trail databases, and listed at roughly 1.0 mile in the official DuPont trail inventory). The trail reads as a primarily downhill / rolling piece when approached from the Lake Imaging side, with a modest overall elevation change and short punchy pitches. Riders coming from adjacent trails like Locust, Isaac Heath or Jim Branch will find Hilltop a nice connector or quick flow segment to break up climbs. Surface & features: Expect packed forest dirt and the occasional granite ledge or shallow slab common to DuPont. The trail contains several rhythm sections and short rollable drops where more committed riders can get airtime; there are no long, sustained rock gardens on Hilltop itself, so the line tends toward flow instead of technical negotiation. Trail forks and junctions are frequent; keep an eye on trail signs and topo maps to stay on your intended line.
Riding character, skill level, and recommended kit
Riding style: Hilltop is described by locals and trail databases as an intermediate, flow-oriented singletrack — fun for riders who like berms, rhythm and mid-speed jumps rather than sustained technical chunder. It’s a good place to practice picking lines, staying relaxed through transitions, and carrying speed into short features. Bike and gear: A trail-ready hardtail or short-travel trail bike is perfect. Run a tire that balances rolling speed with enough width/traction for damp forest soil (2.2"–2.4" or equivalent). Bring a tube, pump/CO2, multi-tool and a small first-aid kit — on trails filled with fast sections even a short spill can turn a clean day into a bike shop visit. Consider gloves and glasses for low branches and the occasional loose debris.
Safety, etiquette and seasonal notes
Shared use: DuPont trails are multi-use. Yield rules vary locally but a common courtesy pattern is: hikers uphill priority, horses get wide berth, bikes yield to horses, and riders announce passes ("on your left") when approaching hikers. Keep speed in check at blind corners and near trail intersections. Weather & trail seasonality: Granite slabs and compacted dirt dry quickly on summer days but can be slick in rain or after freeze/thaw cycles — avoid riding features that look greasy or unsafe. Streams and trail crossings used in larger loops (e.g., Reasonover Creek, Grassy Creek) can be wetter after heavy rain; when drainage is high, pick alternate routes or postpone. When access rules or trail closures are unclear, confirm with the land manager or Friends of DuPont before traveling.
Nearby rides, extras and logistics
Make Hilltop part of a longer loop: Hilltop links smoothly with Lake Imaging Road, Locust, Jim Branch and the Ridgeline descent to create rides ranging from short outings to all-day loops in DuPont. Nearby waterfall stops like Grassy Creek Falls and High Falls make great reasons to carry a small camera and a lightweight change of clothes for a post-ride soak or photos. Local resources: Friends of DuPont and regional trail groups support maintenance; local bike shops in Brevard can advise on current trail etiquette and provide mechanical help if needed.
Getting there
See map.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Hilltop Trail?
Trail listings vary by ; Hilltop is commonly shown at about 0.8 miles in user databases and roughly 1.0 mile on DuPont’s official trail inventory. Use the forest map and your GPS as the final authority for planning.
Is Hilltop suitable for beginner riders?
Hilltop is generally rated intermediate — it rewards riders comfortable with faster singletrack, berms and short drops. Less confident riders can still enjoy parts of the trail at reduced speed or ride connecting forest roads to bypass features.
Are dogs or e-bikes allowed?
DuPont’s rules and allowances vary by trail and season. Don’t assume permissive access — check the official DuPont/land manager rules for dogs and e-bike policies before you go. If dogs are allowed, keep them leashed where posted and pack out waste.
Where should I park for Hilltop Trail?
Park at DuPont’s designated lots (Lake Imaging, High Falls, or other main access areas) and approach Hilltop Lake Imaging Road unless a current map indicates a different recommended access. Lots can fill on busy days — arrive early or use alternate access points to avoid congestion.
Any recommended loop to combine with Hilltop?
A common loop is to connect Lake Imaging Road → Hilltop/Locust → Jim Branch → Conservation Road and pick up Ridgeline or Mine Mountain for longer descending sections. Many riders build custom circuits depending on time and skill. Always consult maps and trail signs when chaining segments.
A pocket-sized, flowy singletrack in DuPont State Recreational Forest, Hilltop Trail is a 0.8–1.0 mile blast best ridden as part of a longer DuPont loop. This feature covers how to find the trail, what to expect on the descent, safety and etiquette on shared forest singletrack, and nearby route options and parking to build a full day of riding around Brevard, NC.