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From buttery smooth tarmac to chunky gravel, all with plenty of epic climbs and all the world class views you can handle along the way...East TN region won't disappoint. You won't find routes that don't demand committing to some elevation gain, but exploring the crooked roads in our area just might be one of the best way's to explore the Appalachians.

We highly recommend using either a stand-alone GPS device or software such as Ride WIth GPS online and on your phone when riding in our area. Not only are they a great way to get to know your new favorite route, but also allow you to understand the commitment your route requires ahead of time, read reviews, and of course map your route along the way.

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Dry Creek Loop - 24mi

Dry Creek (road) - 24mi

Looking for a great route right from downtown Johnson City? This is a shorter option for Buffalo Mountain. 24 miles leaving from downtown Johnson City through the belly of the Cherokee National Forest. Once you make your way outside of town you'll find a steady climb along Dry Creek road before a 5+ mile descent that makes all the work worth it. A great sub 2 hour loop.

Jonesborough to Limestone

Jonesborough to Limestone (road) - 26mi

A great loop connecting Jonesborough to Limestone that can be ridden in either direction (making either city a great 1/2 way rest point). The midway climb will keep you on your toes as the entire route slurps up nearly 2,000ft of climbing.

Watauga (road) - 29mi

Watauga (road) - 29mi

A country road route that takes you over Boone Lake and along the Watauga river as you roll out from downtown Johnson City.

Buffalo Mountain - 40mi

Buffalo Mountain (road) - 40mi

Looking for a longer option from downtown Johnson City? This 40 mile loop winds its way along the Nolichucky river after climbing over Buffalo Mountain (with an epic descent back to town we might add!). You can also double the climb for a bigger challenge by riding it in reverse. Killer views and modest vehicle traffic make this route one of our favorites.

Roan Mountain - 62mi

Roan Mountain (road) - 62mi

Starting at Roan Mountain State Park, get ready for a solid 10 mile climb to the top of Roan. The amazing views along the way make the effort well worth it. Several lunch stops along the route as well, which makes packing light easy. While it's nearly impossible to get a 62mi route that doesn't involve vehicles, the busier roads do have a shoulder.

Kingsport to Bay's Mountain - 25mi

Kingsport to Bay's Mountain (road) - 25mi

With a more modest 1,200ft of climbing, this route leaves downtown Kingsport and heads West towards Bay's Mountain before making the return trip.

Beauty Spot - 31mi

Beauty Spot (mixed surface) - 31mi

Looking for a mixed terrain loop with INCREDIBLE views? Look no further, this ride starts and ends at Scott's Farm just outside of Unicoi. 25 miles are on pavement with a 5 mile gravel/forest road that stops by 2 legendary views of East TN. There is some serious elevation, however what goes up, get's to come back down.

Gap Creek (mixed surface) - 24mi

Gap Creek (mixed surface) - 24mi

Take advantage of how easy it is to roll out of downtown Johnson City and into the mountains on this loop along Gap Creek road. Wrapping up utilizing the Tweetsie Trail (gravel) before heading back to town. Pro tip, we recommend stopping for lunch/snack/coffee in Elizabethton at The Coffee Company right before the Tweetsie.

Boone Lake (mixed surface) - 49mi

Boone Lake (mixed surface) - 49mi

As close to "rolling hills" as it gets in East TN, you'll find yourself punching up and over climb after climb as you work your way up to Boone Lake. Wrapping things up with a shortcut along the Tweetsie Trail before returning to downtown Johnson City.

Dennis Cove (gravel) - 28mi

Dennis Cove (gravel) - 28mi

Push the limits of your gravel rig on this awesome route in the Cherokee National Forest. Start from the Dennis Cove campground and you'll quickly see the end of pavement signs. A small reprieve of blacktop around the 1/2 way mark before it's back to mixed surface. Several creek crossings offer a unique spin in the mountains.

Big Creek (gravel) - 37mi

Big Creek (gravel) - 37mi

Ride part of the Trans America Trail along forest road #87. Starting from Little Oak campground this out and back route is gravel riding at its finest. Starting with a bit of pavement before it gives way to a dirt/gravel mix.

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