Backroad Bicycling in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains: 27 Rides for Touring and Mountain Bikes from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia

Uncovering scenic back roads for both touring and mountain bikes through the heart of the Southern Appalachians - from North Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to Southwest Virginia - this cycling guide encompasses the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The region offers scenic and historic tours along valley floors, exhilarating ridgetop rides and challenging treks through the rugged mountains. Rogers describes road bike rides at Georgia's Chickamauga National Battlefield; high wild vistas form the transmountain Cherohala Skyway; and a new greenway system spanning Maryville and Alcoa, Tennessee. It details the classic tours on the Tsali and Bent Creek trails systems, as well as two new trail systems along Tennessee's Ocoee River. Also included are Virginia's popular Virginia Creeper and New River Trails. Routes range from the little known to the well travelled, from level road rides to challenging mountain trails. Each ride description includes mile-by-mile directions; a detailed map and mileage cue sheet; information on difficulty and terrain; and notes on the natural and historic features you should encounter along the way.