Around Chilhowee Mountain |
Exploring Southern Appalachia on two wheels
A rolling ride that circumnavigates Chilhowee Mountain. You'll ride through farmland and iconic hollars of East Tennessee
South Knoxville is home to 100's of miles of excellent roads to ride. This route will take you through some of South Knoxville's most popular riding areas and give you a good sampling of rural Tennessee riding. The route is best descrided as a rolling route through farm country with a few "Hollars" thrown in to give you a full helping of East Tennessee.
Chilhowee Mountain is the first true mountain you come to when traveling south from Knoxville. It's visible from a ways out and you can usually use it as a reference point to keep you oriented. This ride is going to circumnavigate a portion of the mountain, so by East Tennessee terms, there are no "big" climbs. From the profile, it appears as though there is a gigantic climb and descent, but in reality, that climb, although lengthy, has a gentle grade.
This route, due to its length, obviously requires decent fitness to complete. Once you start going around the mountain, there are no shortcuts to take, so be sure you have the legs to make it home before getting too far into the ride.
The route leaves from Charter Doyle Park, just a few mile from downtown Knoxville. The park has ample parking and a bathroom.