Lexington Goshen Pass Loop 45 Miles

This is a classic and very scenic long ride starting in Lexington. There is a long climb to the top of North Mountain, then a much longer descent down through beautiful Goshen Pass. Leave time to have a snack or picnic beside the Maury River as it cascades through the Pass.

It starts in Lexington and goes out into western Rockbridge County. This is a difficult ride with a long climb up North Mountain and rolling hills back to the start.

START: Jordan’s Point Park, Old Mill Trace Lexington, VA 24450

PARKING: There are two public parking lots, the second, on the right, is adjacent to a public restroom.

DIFFICULTY/CHALLENGES: This is an advanced ride due to the overall amount of climbing and the distance. The climb up North Mountain is about 7% for a little over a mile. There is some truck traffic on the back side of the Mountain on Brattons Run. Both Midland Trail (Route 850) and Route 39 are 55 mph speed limit roads. On a nice weekend day there can be substantial automobile traffic on Route 39 near Goshen Pass. BE VERY CAREFUL and wear high visibility clothing.

DIRECTION: This is a lollipop shaped loop, riding out and returning along the stem – the split occurs at the intersection of Fredericksburg Road and Midland Trail – the loop segment can be ridden in either direction. Clockwise has the North Mountain climb and the 12 mile descent through Goshen Pass, so most riders choose that direction.

FACILITIES ON ROUTE: Route starts in Lexington at Jordans Point Park with few opportunities for services on route. The Town of Goshen is about a mile off-route. At mile 23.9 turn left and go west on Route 39 from the intersection of Brattons Run and Route 39. There are a couple of gas station-convenience stores and restaurant in Goshen. Lexington has many services in town (Bike Shop, Salernos, Southern Inn, the Red Hen, Blue Lab Brewinig, among many others). This is a long route with limited facilities along much of it.