Foothills Tour

The Foothills Tour is a challenging road cycling route, known for its significant climbs and descents. It covers approximately 93 kilometers with over 2200 meters of elevation gain, requiring considerable effort. Cyclists should expect a tough ride, but the rewarding views make it worthwhile.

The route offers extensive vistas of the Smoky Mountains and beautiful wooded areas. A notable highlight is Haw Knob, a summit that provides exceptional views. Many consider the scenery and enjoyable descents to be among the best in the eastern U.S.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the spring and fall months. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall provides stunning foliage. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring challenging conditions, especially at higher elevations.

Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the Cherokee National Forest itself for day use. However, some specific recreation areas or facilities within the forest might require a fee or permit. It's always a good idea to check the official Cherokee National Forest website for the latest regulations before your visit.

While specific parking areas can vary, many cyclists begin their journey from towns like Tellico Plains, which offers convenient access to the surrounding roads that form the Foothills Tour. Look for public parking in these gateway communities.

Given its 'difficult' rating, significant elevation gain, and challenging terrain, the Foothills Tour is generally not recommended for beginners. It requires a good level of fitness and experience with road cycling on mountainous routes.

Yes, while primarily a road cycling route, sections of the Foothills Tour share paths or run parallel to other trails. Notably, the route intersects with parts of the Benton MacKaye Trail and also includes segments along Falls Branch Road, North River Road, Strawberry Knob Trail, and Mud Gap Trail.

Due to the challenging nature and length of the route, it's essential to bring appropriate gear. This includes a well-maintained racebike, helmet, plenty of water and snacks, repair kit, first-aid supplies, and layers of clothing suitable for changing mountain weather. A GPS device or a downloaded map is also highly recommended.

The route traverses through relatively remote areas of the Smoky Mountains. While there might be small towns or general stores at the beginning or end of the route, dedicated cafes or rest stops directly on the more challenging sections are limited. Plan to be self-sufficient with water and nutrition.

As a road cycling route, dogs are generally not recommended to accompany cyclists due to safety concerns with traffic and the strenuous nature of the ride. If you plan to visit the Cherokee National Forest for other activities, dogs are typically allowed on trails if leashed, but this specific cycling tour is not ideal for pets.

For those seeking different challenges or less strenuous options, the broader Smoky Mountains region and surrounding foothills offer a variety of road cycling routes. You might find routes with varying elevation profiles and distances, some of which are less demanding than the Foothills Tour.