The best road cycling routes in Sumner County

Sumner County offers a diverse selection of over 20 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences. These routes explore the region's greenways, rural roads, and scenic lake views.

Yes, Sumner County has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or family outings. For instance, the Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Shelby Bottoms Greenway loop from Shelby Park is an easy 16.46-mile path offering a pleasant ride through green spaces, often alongside the Cumberland River. Another accessible option is the Stones River Greenway – Stones River Greenway near I-40 loop from Hermitage, which is 13.19 miles long.

Road cycling in Sumner County offers a mix of picturesque landscapes. You'll find routes along the extensive greenway networks, with segments like the Hendersonville Greenway providing scenic views along Old Hickory Lake. Rural roads often lead through the countryside, and trails like the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail offer impressive views of the Cumberland River and its lush surroundings.

For cyclists seeking more challenging rides, Sumner County provides routes with notable elevation gains. The Waterfall loop from KOHLS - HENDERSONVILLE, for example, is a difficult 68.4-mile route with over 3,100 feet of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Shallow Ford Hill loop from KOHLS - HENDERSONVILLE, covering 63.1 miles with nearly 2,900 feet of climbing.

The road cycling routes in Sumner County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's extensive greenway networks, the scenic views of Old Hickory Lake, and the variety of terrain that caters to different ability levels, from flat, paved paths to more challenging routes through the countryside.

Many of the road cycling routes in Sumner County are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Airpark loop from Hermitage and the Roadbike loop from Nat Caldwell Park, both providing a complete circuit for your ride.

Many of Sumner County's parks and greenway access points offer dedicated parking. For instance, parks like Drakes Creek Park in Hendersonville, Triple Creek Park in Gallatin, and Richland Park in Portland are known to have amenities including parking, making them convenient starting points for your rides.

Old Hickory Lake is a central natural feature, offering stunning lakeside views and recreational opportunities along many routes, such as segments of the Hendersonville Greenway. You'll also encounter the Cumberland River, various creeks like Station Camp Creek, and lush green spaces within the county's extensive park and greenway system.

Sumner County boasts an extensive network of greenways ideal for road cycling. The Hendersonville Greenway offers scenic routes along Old Hickory Lake, while the Station Camp Greenway in Gallatin provides a peaceful paved trail along Station Camp Creek. The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail also offers impressive river views.

Sumner County generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall, when temperatures are milder. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter can bring colder temperatures. Checking local weather forecasts before your ride is always recommended.

Yes, Sumner County is rich in outdoor activities beyond road cycling. For more information on parks, trails, and other nature-focused experiences in the area, you can visit the official tourism website: visitsumnertn.com/outdoors/.

While Sumner County is not widely known for large waterfalls directly on road cycling routes, some longer, more challenging routes are named for them, such as the Waterfall loop from KOHLS - HENDERSONVILLE. These routes often traverse varied terrain that might include smaller cascades or scenic water features.