Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This 40-mile out and back ride takes you from the town of Townsend and follows the Little River through the northern edge of the National Park.

Author:	cvb
Date:	20 Mar 2008 8:46:08 AM
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	Tennessee (TN)
Distance:	39.68 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 3564 ft Total Loss: 3564 ft Net Change: 0 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
Tags:	Townsend, Tennessee
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

There are beautiful views of the river and dramatic cliff overhangs around almost every corner on this out and back ride from Townsend, TN to the Sugarland Visitors Center. As you ride upriver from Townsend the first dozen miles or so are a false flat with grades in the 1-3% range, then the road tips up for a mile or two of steeper climbing before plunging down the last three miles to Sugarlands. That makes for a stiff climb in the first part of the return followed by sixteen miles of downhill. The road can be busy during tourist season, especially in the afternoon, so this is a good ride to do early in the day. Most of the route is shady, so it would work well for a hot summer day.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dist: 39.68 mi	Points: 488	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

Elkmont Campground

Location: 35.665107°, -83.598576°
A 1.5 mile sidetrip to the Elkmont Campground will bring you to restroom facilities, water, and vending machines.

Laurel Falls

Location: 35.672010°, -83.580637°
This is the highpoint of the ride. The falls is a couple of miles back, so not accessible by bike (or wearing road shoes). Plenty of room to rest, though.

Newfound Gap Extension

Location: 35.681283°, -83.534203°
You can extend the ride by taking US 441 to Newfound Gap or to a point lower down the mountain. This is a significant climbs (13 miles at 5-6%. Be aware that the road is very busy with tourist traffic.

Start point parking

Location: 35.679331°, -83.741956°
The small shopping center with an IGA grocery and other stores provides ample parking.

The Hairpin

Location: 35.671382°, -83.560295°
When making the descent going east be aware of this fairly sharp hairpin curve.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Location: 35.686860°, -83.539353°
Sugarlands Visitor Center The Visitor Center provides information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, and vending.

Another view along the river.

Location: 35.671522°, -83.642178°
Little River

Little River

Location: 35.664061°, -83.703032°
Once you pass the T-intersection the road follows the Little River for about 15 miles, all the way to Laurel Falls.

Cade's Cove Optional Extention

Location: 35.659667°, -83.709040°
Cade's Cove To extend this ride from 40 miles to 65 miles bear right here up to Cade's Cove. It's a mile climb (gradual until the last mile or so) up to the Cove (mountain valley), then an 11-mile loop around the Cove. Descend from the Cove and go right to continue on the Little River route.