Rock Creek Gravel Groval

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Pickett County, TN, US

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Route Overview

Rollin' Appalachia

Exploring Southern Appalachia on two wheels

57 mi.

3,623 ft.

A beautiful and challenging gravel loop along the northern edge of Big South Fork NRRA and through Daniel Boone National Forest. You'll get a big helping of wilderness on this ride as you ride along ridge lines and in the Rock Creek gorge.

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Route Details

This loop was designed when I was seeking a flatter East Tennessee gravel ride. The ride is about 80% (well maintained) gravel and 20% asphalt roadway. The topography in this part of the state is pretty interesting. It consists of ridge/plataue riding, seperated by river or creek gorges. There are numerous rock faces, walls and canyons on route, along with scenic streamside riding and high vistas that really make this ride unique. Overall, this ride can best be described as long stretches of rolling gravel, sharply divided by steep descents or ascents (see profile for a visual). While the elevation change isn't huge on this ride, the rollers and false flats will certainly keep you legs working.

# Route

* I park at the Hazard Cave trailhead in [Pickett State Park](http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/pickett), this is just inside the park boundary.
* After a short paved section to warm up, you start off on Divide Rd. @slice[Divide Rd](d,1555.91,13815.79), which changes name to @slice[Laurel Ridge Rd](d,13521.55,33879.15) when you cross into Kentucky, follows the northern boarder of Big South Fork. Overall you'll be losing elevation as you ride it, so your overall average speed will stay pretty high, but there certainly are some @slice[short steeps](d,24809.6,25500.35) to deal with to keep you honest.  You'll pass along many @photo[large rock faces](1533218) and one or two "slot" canyons on route.
* On @slice[Beech Grove Drive](d,31419.14,38115.89), gravel will give way to asphalt and you'll start to see a few signs of civilization. Beech Grove road is also where you have you @slice[first significant descent](d,35382.2,36588.62) and @slice[steep climb](d,36594.47,38124.84). The descent has been recently paved, but is pretty steep and twisty, be careful. Shortly after descending, be prepared to go right back up and @photo[steeply climb around "Devil's Knob"](1533219).  
* @slice[Devils Creek Road](d,38115.89,40168.1) is the other major descent on this route. Its another extremely fast downhill wtih more meandering turns that allow you get off the brakes and really fly!
* At mile 27.4 you'll see a sign that says "Rock Creek Bike Trailhead", follow the sign and make a left onto FS 566 at @point[White Oak Junction](d,44274.05).
* @slice[FS 566](d,44017.12,57553.2) is a beutiful gravel road that follows along Rock Creek. The road climbs @photo[gently along the stream](1533220). This is the best place to stop and filter water if you need it, and/or take a @photo[break](1533221) and eat some food. Rock Creek is certified as a "Ky Wild River" and a "Blue Ribbon Trout Stream".  
* After leaving Rock Creek, a @slice[climb](d,59713.72,62238.04) awaits to take you back up on the ridge. You've been picking up elevation as you rode along the stream, so the true climbs elevation isn't too bad.  Once you're back on top of the ridge, you be greeted with more rolling gravel roads.  There will be a @poi[few overlooks](1872654) along this section.  You'll have a @photo[good vantage point](1533223) to see just how deep that gorge you just rode out of was.

* The @slice[final section of gravel](d,75657.97,89082.46) takes you along the western edge of Pickett State Park. This area has been recently logged and therefore, makes the road a bit more exposed and barren. These roads may have some chunkier gravel in places, but are still in really good condition.

# Notes

* You can do this ride any time of the year, but be sure to be visible during hunting season
* Bring along Trails Illustrated [Map#241 "Big South Fork"](http://www.natgeomaps.com/big-south-fork-national-river-and-recreation-area) just in case your GPS malfunctions
* The ride is best done on a true gravel bike. I recommend 40c tires. You certainly can do it with skinnier tires, but the climbs and descents may be a bit more challenging. Mountain bikes can also be ridden, but fat tires and suspension are more than you need. 
* Cell service is limited at best, don't depend on it.
* There aren't any stores or any other services on this route.  Be sure to bring plenty of water (or a filter) and food.
* There are three shortcuts on this route. The first two are gravel shortcuts, the third is a paved alternative. The first is on FS 139 at mile @poi[11.6](1872652), and will drop you down to the end of the Rock Creek Section. The second is on FS 6308 at @poi[mile 20.2](1872651) and will take you close to @point[White Oak Junction](d,44282.03). Be aware, this does require you to @poi[ford a creek](1872650). The third shortcut continues on the @point[HWY 154](d,75572.46) through Pickett SP to your car, rather that taking the @slice[final gravel segments](d,75667.87,89019) along its west boarder.

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Rock Creek Gravel Groval

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