Mixed surface adventure with about 70% gravel. A LOT of climbing, so be ready. But it’s a beautiful and challenging day. First you’ll climb Wildcat, then to and through Bald River, descending back to the Tellico River rd. An absolute ball of a descent! From there turn left a drop ~2 miles through Green Cove, the store is always there for resupply, if needed. Yesterday we rolled on. You make right on the connector to North. The game checking station is right there as well with pit toilets and a water spigot which is rarely inoperable. (Coldest winter days). We refilled bottles there then headed up North. North is in the best shape ever as of this writing. Climb North (8 miles, 2300’), then left onto Santeetlah for a rip-roaring, beautiful descent of ~7 miles. You’ll the Stewart Cabin as well. There is a cute (!) Pit toilet there as well. Once you cross Santeetlah you’ll have about a mile climb to the Cherohala. Turn left and descend about 3 miles, cross Santeetlah lake, then right on West Buffalo. Guessing it’s about 5 miles up W. Buffalo to Huffman creek, turn right and start climbing again. It’s gravel and gets worse the whole way! Climb that beast until you hit a groomed FS rd, turn right and descend a steep 1/4 mile to a gate off the Skyway. From there it’s about 20 miles of big climbs and bigger descents (and views!) on the Skyway back to Tennessee, turn right at Indian Boundary. Within a quarter mile or so turn left on Turkey Creek and follow it about 7 miles. Your last climb (a small one!) will be when it turns to pavement through Waucheesi. Then finally a descent on gravel (currently under construction) back to the Tellico river rd (currently getting repairs as well, so stay alert!). From there~ 4 miles to the finish! Whoof. Enjoy!
Take filter or keep an eye out for dripping Springs along the way.
Lastly, I dreamed this route up as a challenge for my 62nd birthday, so go to it, no excuses. And thanks Carey Lowery for going with and pulling me along! Here’s to more adventures TAZ.