HARDford

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Cocke County, TN, US

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Rollin' Appalachia

Exploring Southern Appalachia on two wheels

81 km

2.019 m

A challenging multi-surface route in Cherokee National Forest with 3 notable climbs and fast descents. This is the loop that was used in the Hardford 50 gravel grinder race.

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This loop is called HARDford for a reason...you have three significant climbs and one tricky (for gravel) descent on this loop. The route is mostly gravel, generally in great condition, with some paved sections at the beginning and the end. The climbs, in general, are moderate in grade and get longer in length as you tick them off.

Parking is at the Hartfort exit off of I40. I parked behind the @poi[gas station](2583904) on the north side of the exit, there's also a @poi[church](2583905) a little up the road that would be conveninet to park at. There are numerous parking lots adjacent to the interstate, but most of these are reserved for whitewater rafting businesses, so they probably don't want you parking there. An alternative start location would be off the Waterville exit, you can park at the @poi[small park](2583906) just past the river.

You can do this route any time of the year. In the summer, it's a bit cooler than low-land riding. In the winter, it will be very cold at the high points, and there may be significant snow or ice on the roads. Some of the roads don't get a lot of direct sunlight, so on a warm winter or early spring day, there may still be lingering ice on the roads.

# Route

* The route can be though of in three parts, conveniently defined by the three climbs/descents: @slice[Grassy Creek](d,1349.7,13715.11), @slice[Mt Sterling](d,17492.29,37437.06), and @slice[Max Patch](d,37511.86,64358.16).
* The @slice[inital climb](d,1349.7,5383.86) is more of a warmup climb that passes through the @point[Grassy Creek](d,7434.8) community. It starts about 1 mile into the route and as the road heads up, @photo[the surface changes to gravel](2185983). This climb is the easiest of the three on tap for the day. You'll be crossing over Big Flat Ridge, which is a pretty good description since the profile @slice[looks like a saddle](d,5383.86,10347.38).You'll climb for a short ways, then it will level off before climbing some more, and then hit the @slice[fast (and steep at times) downhill](d,10297.48,13889.86) to the @point[Pigeon River](d,14136.69). The surface will vary from gravel to asphalt.
* After crossing the Pigeon River, you'll have a @slice[short flatish section](d,14202.65,17492.29) before starting the @slice[long climb up Mt Sterling Rd](d,17569.46,23708.63). Mt Sterling starts off with a couple @slice[steep aspalt switchbacks](d,17697.46,17915.41) before settling into a moderate gravel climb. At mile 14.7  you'll reach @point[Double Gap](d,23714.96), you'll make a left on FS 288. This road isn't shown correctly on most online maps, but it is shown on paper maps. FS 288 will meander along the hillside with some @slice[rolling ups and downs](d,23663.43,27462.66) before dropping off the mountain and meeting the Pigeon River once again.  You'll cross the Pigeon on some @point[concrete spillways](d,36983.26), they may be un-passable after heavy rains. Also, not to miss, near mile 18.5, there will be a hiking trail off to your left that leads to @poi[Buzzards Roost](2583909)...a @photo[fantastic view](2188228) overlooking the tunnel on I40.   
* After crossing the Pigeon River, you'll start the longest climb of the day by ascending @slice[Cold Springs Creek Rd and then Max Patch Rd](d,37578.35,49867.67). The total length of this climb is just shy of 8 miles with the grade increasing the higher you ascend. Just shy of reaching @poi[Max Patch Bald](2583910) (a definite must see if you have time...although you have to hike to the top), you'll make a left onto @slice[FS 2250](d,49811.2,61083.47) and start the L-O-N-G descent back to the finish. 2250 can be a little technical in gravel terms.  Expect rocks, ruts, leaves, and some mud holes on the upper few miles of the road. After a few miles of descending, the road gets back to the @photo[typical excellent condition gravel](2185987). You'll pass through @point[Martha Sundquist SF](d,60606.91) and the road will flatten out before eventually changing back to @slice[aspahlt and descending to the finish](d,62677.77,76540.79).

# Notes

* Food/water - the only store on route is at the bottom of Mt Sterling climb. There is a @poi[picnic area off of the Cold Springs Rd](2583908) climb that has a convenient stream to filter water.
* A Gravel bike with 40mm or bigger tires is what I suggest.  People have certainly done this route with skinnier tires, but the descents would be pretty sketchy. A mountain bike would work too, but suspension is a bit overkill.
* Cell surface - minimal at best. Do not depend on cell phones
* [Trail Illustrated map 782](http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/trails-illustrated-maps/tennessee/french-broad-and-nolichucky-rivers-cherokee-and-pisgah-national-forests), "French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers" covers the route.

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HARDford

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