Category: 5000-6000 FEET

MAX PATCH

Max Patch is a high alpine bald in a remote area on the NC/TN border. Surrounded by 6000 foot peaks and bisected by the Appalachian Trail, you will want to linger when you get there. There are several popular routes to the top. The 44 mile version published here approaches the bald from the southwest via the long Harmon Den gravel climb. On the way you will visit Buzzard's Roost with its sheer drop and impressive view of the interstate far below. Several roads on the Max Patch route rank among the highest quality gravel ever ridden by SoutheastCyclingRoutes.com.

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DUGGAR MOUNTAIN

Dugger Mountain

Accessible from the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Rail Trails, the playful and rolling Duggar Mountain gravel routes are available in 41, 52 and 68 mile lengths. All three traverse ridges and climb the sometimes punchy hills in the pine glades of the Talladega National Forest near Piedmont, Alabama.

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COOPERS CREEK

Coopers Creek

The Coopers Creek route is set in the heart of North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The 58 mile loop contains long stretches of gravel along pristine trout streams, impressive views of the mountains and a seven mile descent to the finish. The area is a mecca for road and gravel cycling. If you only do one gravel ride in North Georgia, the Coopers Creek route should be on your list.

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RAINBOW SPRINGS

Rainbow Springs Route

Water defines the 66 mile mixed surface Rainbow Springs route in Western North Carolina. The route is an out & back along the banks of the Nantahala River and a significant portion of the route features crashing whitewater within river's gorge. A spin along the lake and views of 5000 foot peaks will have you reaching for your camera. A fast finish will have you grinning like a little kid.

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JENKINS GRAVE GAP

Little Frog Mountain

Paved start and finish sectors bookend one continuous stretch of gravel fun near Reliance, Tennessee. The Jenkins Grave Gap routes are classic Southern Appalachian gravel - steep, rough, and incredibly beautiful. 36 and 46 mile options cross a 450 foot long cable suspended bridge over the Hiwassee River and includes many ridge traversals and shelf roads, some of which are unmaintained.

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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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DAS BOOT CUP

Georgia's 46 mile Das Boot Cup route goes up, then down, then up some more, most of it on gravel forest service roads. "You will be climbing for the next hour" explained one rider. Beautiful landscapes, lots of options for apres-ride in the City of Helen and a crossing of Duke's Creek make this an unforgettable route.

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NIMBLEWILL GAP

Set a few minutes west of Dahlonega, Georgia on some of the same roads used for the Southern Cross gravel race, the 47 mile Nimblewill Gap gravel route includes an unmaintained US Forest Service road over the gap from which the route takes its name. A mountain bike wouldn't be out of place on this route.

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HIWASSEE FOOTBRIDGE

The 44 mile mixed-surface Hiwassee Footbridge route is set in a fascinating and gorgeous area along the state designated class III scenic Hiawassee River in southeast Tennessee. The gravel climbs are ballistic and the scenery is spectacular. Two long paved descents worthy of an aero-tuck will delight your inner roadie.

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CONASAUGA CRUSHER

The 43 mile Conasauga Crusher gravel route reflects the rugged and remote nature of the Cohutta Mountains on the GA/TN border. Expect rough gravel, plentiful water and no cell service. A bear sighting is not out of the question.

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