The best road cycling routes in Pulaski County

Pulaski County offers over 20 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a diverse selection, from easy rides to challenging ascents, all within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

The terrain in Pulaski County is quite varied. You can find relatively flat paths, especially along the New River, suitable for easy rides. There are also routes with significant elevation gain, particularly as you venture into the Blue Ridge Mountains and areas like Draper Mountain, offering challenging climbs. Out of the available routes, 5 are considered easy, 12 are moderate, and 6 are difficult.

Yes, Pulaski County has several easy routes suitable for families. The Hiwassee River Bridge – New River Bridge loop from New River Trail Parking is an excellent option, offering a scenic and relatively flat experience along the New River. Another easy choice is the Hethwood Pond loop from Virginia Tech.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Pulaski County offers routes with substantial climbs. The Sinking Creek loop from Eggleston is a difficult trail covering over 30 miles with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the New River Bridge – Whistle Stop Inn loop from Radford, which is over 76 miles long with considerable ascent.

Many routes offer views of the New River, a significant natural feature. You might also encounter impressive structures like the New River Bridge, the Hiwassee River Bridge, and the Big Reed Trestle. The region is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing scenic backdrops throughout your ride.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, the New River Bridge – Whistle Stop Inn loop from Radford is a substantial route, stretching over 76 miles. The New River Trail State Park itself offers a 57.5-mile path that can be incorporated into longer road cycling excursions.

The road cycling routes in Pulaski County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from river valleys to mountain ascents, and the beautiful natural environment provided by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the New River.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Pulaski County are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Hethwood Pond – Duck Pond loop from Virginia Tech, the Sinking Creek loop from Eggleston, and the Hiwassee River Bridge – New River Bridge loop from New River Trail Parking.

Pulaski County offers good road cycling opportunities across multiple seasons. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer can be warm, but routes along the New River may offer cooler breezes. Winter cycling is possible, though conditions can vary, and some higher elevation routes might be affected by colder weather.

Many routes originate from locations with accessible parking. For instance, the Hiwassee River Bridge – New River Bridge loop starts from New River Trail Parking. Routes from Virginia Tech and Radford also typically have parking options nearby. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for trailhead parking information.

Given Pulaski County's natural setting within the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the New River, there are good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Cyclists might encounter various bird species, deer, and other local fauna, especially on routes that pass through more secluded or forested areas.

Many routes offer scenic views, particularly those that follow the New River or ascend into the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The View of New River loop from Radford is specifically designed to showcase vistas of the river. The overall landscape of Pulaski County provides a picturesque backdrop for most rides.