The best road cycling routes in Dunbar Cave State Park

While Dunbar Cave State Park itself has limited dedicated road cycling trails, the surrounding Clarksville area offers a variety of options. You'll find routes that explore rural roads with rolling hills, scenic corridors along rivers, and paved trails. The routes listed in this guide range from easy to difficult, providing options for different skill levels.

Yes, there are easy road cycling routes available. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Clarksville High School is an easy option covering approximately 43.8 km (27.2 miles) with moderate elevation gain. Another easy route is the Roadbike loop from Village Terrace, which is about 40.6 km (25.2 miles) long.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the area around Dunbar Cave State Park offers longer and more demanding routes. The Rotary Park loop from CLARKSVILLE EXIT 11 P&R is a difficult route spanning over 142 km (88 miles) with significant elevation. There are also moderate options like the Roadbike loop from CLARKSVILLE EXIT 11 P&R, which is about 55.4 km (34.4 miles) long.

While cycling near Dunbar Cave State Park, you can combine your ride with visits to several natural and historical sites. The park itself is home to the significant Dunbar Cave, known for its prehistoric cave art. The Lake Trail within the park meanders along Swan Lake, offering opportunities for birding. The broader Clarksville area features the scenic Clarksville Greenway, which follows the Red River and West Fork Creek, showcasing bluffs, wildflowers, and diverse ecosystems.

Yes, the Clarksville Greenway is an excellent fully paved trail, approximately 9 miles long, built on an abandoned railway. It's well-suited for road cyclists and offers a scenic ride along the Red River and West Fork Creek. Additionally, the Cumberland Riverwalk and Liberty Park walking trails provide further paved options in Clarksville.

Many routes in the area start from convenient locations with parking. For example, some routes begin near Clarksville High School or the CLARKSVILLE EXIT 11 P&R, which typically offer parking facilities. It's always advisable to check specific starting points for parking availability before your ride.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant weather for road cycling in the Clarksville area, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Clarksville High School and the Rotary Park loop from CLARKSVILLE EXIT 11 P&R, providing circular journeys through the region.

The terrain in the broader Clarksville area, including Montgomery County, features a mix of flat sections and partially rolling hills. While some routes follow relatively flat river corridors, others venture into rural areas with gentle to moderate climbs, offering varied experiences for road cyclists.

Absolutely. Dunbar Cave State Park serves as an excellent destination to combine with road cycling. You can enjoy a ride on the extensive routes in the surrounding Clarksville area and then visit the park to explore its unique cave, Swan Lake, and hiking trails. The park's attractions offer a great way to relax and explore off the bike.