The best cycling routes around Hendersonville

Hendersonville offers a diverse selection of nearly 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 4 easy, 14 moderate, and 11 difficult options to explore the region's beautiful landscapes.

The terrain around Hendersonville is quite varied, set within the elevated plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can expect scenic mountain backdrops, tranquil lakes like Lake Summit, and dense forests. Routes feature a mix of paved and unpaved sections, offering everything from gentle greenways to more challenging mountain roads with significant elevation changes.

Yes, Hendersonville has several easy routes suitable for families. The Downtown Hendersonville loop from Henderson County is an easy 7.5-mile path offering a pleasant ride through the urban landscape. The region also features greenways like the Ecusta Trail and Oklawaha Greenway, which are well-maintained and generally flat, perfect for a leisurely family outing.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can cycle past serene bodies of water like Lake Summit, as seen on the Lake Summit – Old Bridge loop from Bell Park. Other routes, like the Downtown Hendersonville – Osceola Lake loop from Hendersonville, pass by Osceola Lake. For broader exploration, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Front Lake, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site or the Oklawaha Greenway.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Hendersonville are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lake Summit – Old Bridge loop from Bell Park, the Downtown Hendersonville loop from Henderson County, and the Kanuga Lake – Osceola Lake loop from Hendersonville.

The touring cycling routes in Hendersonville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil lake loops to challenging mountain roads, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain vistas.

While many routes are shorter, there are options for longer rides. For example, the Piney Grove Cemetery loop from Mills River is a moderate 29.2-mile route that takes over 2 hours to complete. The region's network of roads and greenways allows for combining routes to create longer touring experiences.

Hendersonville is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for touring cycling. Spring brings blooming flora, while fall showcases stunning foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer can be warm, but the elevated plateau provides some relief. Winter cycling is possible, though some higher elevation routes might be affected by colder temperatures or occasional snow.

While not directly on the listed touring cycling routes, the broader Hendersonville region is known for its waterfalls. DuPont State Forest, for instance, offers over 80 miles of trails and features beautiful waterfalls like Triple Falls and High Falls, which are popular for hiking and mountain biking. You might find these accessible via short detours or by combining cycling with hiking.

Parking availability varies by route. For routes starting from specific parks or downtown areas, designated parking lots are usually available. For example, routes like the Lake Summit – Old Bridge loop from Bell Park would typically have parking near the starting point. When planning your tour, check the specific route details on komoot for information on parking facilities.

While many outdoor areas in Hendersonville are dog-friendly, specific rules for cycling routes can vary. Greenways like the Ecusta Trail and Oklawaha Greenway generally welcome leashed dogs. However, it's always best to check local regulations for each specific trail or park you plan to visit to ensure dogs are permitted on cycling paths.

Routes that pass through or near downtown Hendersonville, such as the Downtown Hendersonville loop from Henderson County, offer easy access to cafes, restaurants, and shops. For routes in more rural or natural settings, it's advisable to carry your own refreshments, though some trailheads or nearby towns may have limited options.