We sat down with Dave Lamond and Neko Mulally, the founders and owners of Ride Rock Creek, to learn more about the inspiration behind the park, their passion for mountain biking, and what sets this destination apart.

What started as a passion project has grown into a vibrant hub for downhill riders across the region. Neko, a professional World Cup racer with more than 16 years of experience, moved to Henderson County over a decade ago in search of year-round training opportunities.

“I moved to the area 12 years ago for year-round training,” Neko explains. “While the national forests offer great trail riding, there wasn’t a place focused solely on downhill. Dave and I wanted a place to ride ourselves—and realized we could make it even better by opening it to the public.”

Ride Rock Creek isn’t just a personal passion project—it’s a much-needed resource for the growing biking community in Western North Carolina.

Dave points out, “There are almost a million unique visitors to this region each year specifically coming to mountain bike. Before this park, you’d have to travel a couple of hours just to find this style of riding. And since forest trails have to be multi-use, there are limits on the types of features you can build. Here, we had the opportunity to create jumps, progression elements, and terrain you just can’t do in the forest.”

As a World Cup competitor, Neko has had the chance to ride in some of the most iconic mountain biking locations around the globe—from Europe to New Zealand and South America. His goal with Rock Creek was to bring the best parts of those trails home to North Carolina.

“My vision has been shaped by the trails I’ve ridden all over the world,” Neko says. “I tried to take the things I liked and build them here at Rock Creek. The dirt is really nice—sandy, good for all-weather riding, and easy to shape. It doesn’t get too slippery in the rain, which is helpful since we get a lot of it. Plus, the climate allows for year-round riding, which is pretty rare for this style of park. Most places are either high in the mountains or ski resorts that close during the winter.”

Beyond the terrain, Ride Rock Creek stands out for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the vibe is friendly and supportive.

“What sets us apart is the culture,” Dave explains. “Every time you’re on the shuttle, you hear riders chatting, welcoming newcomers, offering to show them a lap or help guide them through the terrain. It’s a really special group.”

Whether you’re new to mountain biking or an experienced rider, Ride Rock Creek makes sure everyone feels welcome and prepared.

“As a first-time visitor, you’re going to be greeted by a smiling face,” says Dave. “We’ll give you a welcoming tour, talk about your riding level and background, and make sure you’re geared up properly. Out here, you’ll want a full-suspension bike—something like a trail or enduro bike. A downhill bike is great if you’re more experienced. We also recommend a full-face helmet, protective gear, and riding with a buddy to stay safe.”

The park offers a wide range of rentals on-site, and trail signage makes navigation easy, even if you’re riding solo.

“All the trails are really well marked, and the area is compact enough that you can’t get lost,” Neko says. “Even if you’re here alone, you’ll meet other riders with similar interests. We have trails ranging from green to double black diamond—just like a ski slope. Whether you like fast and smooth or slow and technical, we’ve got it. And if you don’t have gear, we have it all available to rent.”

Unlike many trail systems that tend to favor one style of riding, Ride Rock Creek was built with variety in mind.

“What makes this park unique is the diversity of trails,” Neko explains. “We have everything from narrow singletrack to wide, maintained jump lines. And within each trail rating—from green to double black—you’ll find different levels. Some are smoother and faster, others more technical and natural. In a small footprint, we’ve packed in a lot of variety.”

Ride All Year, Rain or Shine

As the region’s popularity continues to grow, Ride Rock Creek offers a sustainable and dependable option for riders looking for consistently maintained trails—no matter the season.

“We’ve had so much growth in this area, and with it comes pressure on the public trail systems,” says Dave. “Because we have full-time maintenance staff, we can provide a riding experience year-round, rain or shine. That just wouldn’t be possible on the forest trails—it’s too expansive and expensive to maintain them at this level.”

Neko agrees, “We have well-maintained trails open year-round and something for everyone. We welcome riders of all levels, so come on out and give it a try.”

Being a part of the local community is important to both founders. While they’re not originally from Zirconia, they’ve worked hard to build trust and preserve the history of the land they now steward.

“We’re really privileged and honored to be part of the community here,” Dave says. “This area has been homesteaded since after the Civil War, and we’ve been welcomed in with open arms. Some of our team members are from families that have lived here for generations. It’s been a great experience, and we’re proud to carry on that tradition.”

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!