The best cycling routes in Franklin County
4.4
(5)
128
riders
17
rides
Touring cycling in Franklin County offers routes through varied terrain, characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and forested areas. The region features elevations that provide both challenging climbs and scenic overlooks. Many routes follow natural waterways and traverse sections of the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. The landscape provides a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for touring bicycles.
Best touring cycling routes in Franklin County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Poor Mountain loop, a 23.7 miles (38.1…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
7
riders
38.1km
02:46
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
21.4km
01:32
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20.7km
01:20
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6.63km
00:35
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
118km
08:19
2,320m
2,320m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.51km
00:07
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
22.6km
01:19
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
26
riders
27.3km
01:37
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Parking area at the bottom is closed (Near Dollar General). We parked across the street and walked the gravel up to Star Trail Trailhead.
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Nice campground just off the Blue Ridge Pkwy. There is a huge meadow for tents. The nearby and charming town of Floyd has everything you might need for supplies and refreshments.
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The Memorial Bridge of Roanoke supports the Roanoke River Greenway and has wide sidewalks on both sides of the car lanes that bikes use. The bridge has two-lane traffic and spans 785 feet across the Roanoke River. While riding here, pay attention and find all five plaques, with quotes from Patrick Henry, Theodore Roosevelt, Stonewall Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson. The last plaque has the names of World War I victims.
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The greenway is an easily accessible multi-use trail that runs along the Roanoke River. There are multiple points of access and a number of nice parks along its route. It can get busy with cyclists, walkers, and runners though so be aware of your fellow trail users.
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Wasena Park is a green space along the Roanoke River. The Roanoke River Greenway bike-friendly path runs through the park, and the park offers a playground, two picnic shelters, the Roanoke Skate Park, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, ADA-accessible picnic shelters with tables, lights at night, electrical outlets, and grills, as well as ADA-accessible restrooms.
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The greenway is an easily accessible multi-use trail that runs along the Roanoke River. There are multiple points of access and a number of nice parks along its route. It can get busy with cyclists, walkers, and runners though so be aware of your fellow trail users.
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The brightly illuminated star that sits on top of Mill Mountain (1,703ft/519m) was constructed in 1949, and initially meant to only be lit during Christmas season. However, it proved to be so popular that is is now lit year round and gave the city of Roanoke its nickname, "Star City of the South".
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The top of Mill Mountain (1,703 ft) is the ideal place to get a nice sight of Roanoke. It is the ideal place to go enjoy a calm Sunday morning with friends, family or by yourself! It has a little zoo, a little wildflower garden and a large picnic area. The jewel of Mill Mountain is the biggest man-made illuminated star. Lit for the first time in 1949 with the purpose of attracting clients to the businesses of Roanoke, it has now become a landmark that brightens the city's nights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Franklin County?
Franklin County offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes, with over 18 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Franklin County has several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Smart View Loop Trail is an easy option, as is the Roanoke River Greenway – Roanoke River Greenway loop from Riverdale, which offers a gentle ride along the river.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes in Franklin County?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Franklin County provides several difficult routes. The Poor Mountain loop is a popular difficult route with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the extensive Smart View Recreation Area to Roanoke Mountain Loop Road, covering a substantial distance with considerable climbing.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, the Smart View Recreation Area to Roanoke Mountain Loop Road is a challenging long-distance route. Another option is the Smart View Historical Cabin – Floyd Family Campground loop from Williams Cemetery, which offers a significant distance for an extended touring experience.
What kind of scenery can I expect on Franklin County's touring cycling routes?
Touring cycling in Franklin County offers diverse scenery, including rolling hills, picturesque river valleys, and dense forested areas. Many routes follow natural waterways and traverse sections of the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, providing scenic overlooks and varied landscapes.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes in Franklin County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Poor Mountain loop and the Roanoke River Overlook & Stewarts Knob Overlook loop, both offering scenic circular journeys.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Franklin County?
The touring cycling routes in Franklin County are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.3 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the challenging climbs, and the beautiful scenic overlooks found along the trails.
When is the best time of year for touring cycling in Franklin County?
The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Franklin County, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, while winter may present colder temperatures and potential for snow or ice at higher elevations, particularly in the Blue Ridge foothills.
Are there routes that feature river views or greenways?
Absolutely. Several routes in Franklin County incorporate river views and greenways. The Roanoke River Overlook to Roanoke Mountain Loop Road connects a river overlook with a mountain loop, and the Roanoke River Greenway – Wasena Park loop from Riverdale offers a pleasant ride along the river.
What types of surfaces can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes in Franklin County feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. This variety adds to the touring experience, allowing cyclists to explore different terrains suitable for touring bicycles.
Can I find routes that offer mountain views?
Yes, many routes in Franklin County provide excellent mountain views, especially those that traverse the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. The Roanoke Mountain Loop Road is a prime example, offering scenic vistas as it winds through the mountainous terrain.
Most popular routes in Franklin County
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