Category: 20-40 MILES

THE POLK PYRENEES

Generations of cyclists have played on the ridge which stretches through Paulding and Polk counties in West Georgia. Climbs with names such as Everett Mountain, Paris Mountain and Vinson Mountain are hidden gems located just a few pedal strokes off the Silver Comet Trail. All are 100% paved and linked together by gently rolling terrain dotted with ranches and country estates. The metric distance Polk Pyrenees route showcases this incredible area and a shorter option is provided for those who prefer a little less climbing.

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LAKE CHEAHA GRAVEL

The Lake Cheaha Gravel routes are located just south south of Cheaha State Park in Alabama. 36 and 43 mile options utilize 4x4 roads to traverse the spine of Talladega Mountain southward and long stretches of impeccably groomed gravel return north to the lake. The opening and closing miles of the route are paved and feature perfect rollers and impressive views of the mountains. Rugged jeep roads and lots of elevation make the longer version more difficult than numbers suggest. The shorter option avoids the more intense sections for those who prefer to get back to the lake early.

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CHEROHALA BALD BUSTER

Cherohala Bald Buster

The adventurous and steep Cherohala Bald Buster route is set in the rugged Unicoi Mountains on the NC/TN border. This 36 mile mixed surface route visits mountaintop balds and descends 3000 feet on the paved Cherohala Skyway. The last mile will likely be hike-a-bike. Unique ecosystems, panoramic vistas and the opportunity to ride in a true alpine environment are some of the rewards for those willing to make the effort.

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FRIED GREEN 27/42/50

Fried Green

The Fried Green 27/42/50 routes explore the extensive network of gravel roads in and around the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge near Juliette, Ga. Located little more than an hour south of Atlanta, three lengths provide options for riders of all abilities. All feature pristine pine glades and hardwood forests, rolling and sometimes playful terrain, a few creek crossings and postcard perfect gravel.

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THE LITTLE CRUSHER

The 33 mile Little Crusher gravel route is the lite version of the full Conasauga Crusher. Set 35 miles east of Chattanooga TN in the Cohutta Mountains, the route is as rugged and remote as it is beautiful but with 10 fewer miles and 1300 feet less climbing than the full Crusher version.

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CADES COVE

Cades Cove

The 53 mile mixed-surface Cades Cove route enters Great Smoky Mountains National Park via a seldom used gravel road over Rich Mountain. Cades Cove is one of the most visited locations in the entire national park system and simply too beautiful to ride fast. The 11 mile paved loop road and gravel roads within the cove are sometimes closed to motor vehicles to allow car free access to cyclists.

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FOOTHILLS PARKWAY

Congress authorized the Foothills Parkway as a scenic drive to provide magnificent views into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in East Tennessee, 31 miles of the roadway are open as of 2020. The Foothills Parkway route is 63 miles and 8100 feet of climbing if ridden end to end as an out-and-back. Climbers will love it but even if you don't have the legs for the whole route then at least do the newly constructed eastern section for its stunning views.

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MURDER CREEK/DOUBLE MURDER

Murder Creek Church Rd

The 39 mile Murder Creek and 60 mile Double Murder gravel routes meander through pecan groves and past country churches on the rolling back roads of middle Georgia's Jasper County. The start is less than an hour from downtown Atlanta but it feels a world apart.

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GRASSY MOUNTAIN

The 38 mile Grassy Mountain gravel route takes in all the North Georgia Cohutta Mountains have to offer. Expect a massive climb, a blistering descent, breathtaking vistas, and a fast finish.

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LITTLE RIVER CANYON

Alabama's Little River Canyon has been called the Grand Canyon of the East. The waterfall alone is worth seeing but cyclists get to ride along the canyon rim. Two lengths are offered - 39 and 57 miles. Both are 100% paved.

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THE COUNTY LINE ROUTES

Three County Line routes are based on two decades experience riding the Suburban Atlanta's Cobb and Paulding County roads and provide alternatives to driving an hour or more to the ride start or staring at a screen in the basement.

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MORGAN VALLEY CENTURY

Morgan Valley Rd

The Morgan Valley Century route utilizes the scenic and car-free Silver Comet Trail for most of its length while gently rolling, low traffic Morgan Valley Road eliminates what is arguably the least appealing section of the trail. This could be your first century or your next PR. A variety of trailhead options make this route adaptable to rides of any length.

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TOUR D’ATLANTA

From skyscrapers and upscale shops to rough urban neighborhoods to tree lined streets lacking any indication of a major city, Atlanta is a amazingly diverse place. The 38 mile Tour d'Atlanta is a blatant attempt to pack as much of that diversity as possible into a morning on the bike.

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LUCAS LOOP

Horse farms. Strava segments. Dog chases. 30 miles. 2100 feet. 40% gravel. A little over two hours ride time. Perfect. This route is a jewel in Atlanta's backyard.

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