The best road cycling routes around Six Mile
37
riders
4
rides
Road cycling around Six Mile features routes that traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and forested preserves. The region's terrain includes significant elevation changes, with climbs reaching over 4,000 feet on some routes. Cyclists can expect a mix of open roads and scenic stretches alongside natural waterways like the Twelve Mile River and through areas such as the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. The varied topography provides challenging ascents and rewarding descents for experienced road cyclists.
Best roadβ¦
Last updated: May 15, 2026
16
riders
21.1km
01:02
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
95.1km
04:14
970m
970m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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7
riders
149km
07:25
2,240m
2,240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
2
riders
62.0km
02:55
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
36.3km
01:38
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Overall, this route is beautiful. It is mostly on backroads so traffic isn't too bad. There is a short section on Hwy 11 where cars speed by at 55 to 65 mph, but there is a bike lane. Do this route if you are not overly anxious about cars sharing the road. Some of the roads are bumpy and one short section had no shoulder and rumble strips gouged into the white line. I will say that every driver was considerate waiting behind until safe to pass me on curves. Most gave me a wide berth when they passed which is much appreciated! You will be pedaling uphill and going fast downhill, so it is lots of fun if that is your thing. Use a bike with a wide selection of gears. You won't need wide tires but don't use your racing slicks either. Stop at Hagood Mill and don't miss the waterfall at the beginning, and the tea company at the end, of Carrick Creek Rd. The ride through the Nine Times Preserve is lovely. After the ride, I had lunch - a chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe - at The Full Plate Creperie Eatery in downtown Pickens. Delicious!
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The bike lane on Hwy 11 isnβt bad. There are spots that need debris removed, but for the portion of it that I rode, it was pretty good.
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Chimneytop Gap is a pass just east of Chimneytop Mountain on the F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway. This is a challenging, but great, pass to ride up near the border of North and South Carolina in the Smokey Mountains.
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Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is a 374-acre tract of land that features its namesake, Eastatoe Creek. The preserve is also home to several rare species of ferns and wildflowers.
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The Twelve Mile River is a 30-mile tributary of Lake Hartwell. With sections of whitewater and flatwater, it is a popular place for paddling.
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Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre man-made reservoir bordering South Carolina and Georgia. It is known for being one of the largest recreation lakes in the Southeastern United States.
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Jones Gap is a mountain pass on the South and North Carolina border. At an elevation of 2,929ft (893m) it gives you a good elevation gain hit just to get here and on the way it has a maximum gradient of 11%. The pass road is 16.4 miles (26.39km) long, running from Cedar Mountain towards Cleveland. You are in for a pretty great ride!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Six Mile?
Road cycling around Six Mile features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, scenic river valleys, and forested preserves. You'll encounter routes with significant elevation changes, including challenging ascents and rewarding descents, particularly on longer routes. Expect a mix of open roads and picturesque stretches alongside natural waterways like the Twelve Mile River.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Six Mile?
Yes, there is at least one easy road cycling route available. The Twelve Mile River loop is an easy 13.1-mile (21.1 km) trail that offers a pleasant ride through the local river valley, ideal for those new to road cycling in the area.
What are some challenging road cycling routes in the Six Mile area?
For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Six Mile offers several difficult routes. The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve loop is a difficult 59.1-mile (95.1 km) path featuring substantial climbs and descents. Another demanding option is the Lydia Mountain β Tommys Knob loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park, which covers approximately 97 km with over 1300 meters of elevation gain.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes around Six Mile?
Yes, Six Mile offers several longer routes for endurance cyclists. The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve loop is a difficult 59.1-mile (95.1 km) route, and the Lydia Mountain β Tommys Knob loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park extends to about 97 km, both providing significant distances.
Can I find circular road bike trails in Six Mile?
Many of the road cycling routes in Six Mile are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the easy Twelve Mile River loop and the more challenging Lydia Mountain loop from South Beach.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while road cycling in Six Mile?
The routes often pass through natural areas like the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve and alongside the Twelve Mile River, offering scenic views of river valleys and forested landscapes. While specific landmarks are not detailed, the region's character is defined by its natural beauty and varied topography.
How many road cycling routes are available in Six Mile?
There are 8 road cycling routes detailed for the Six Mile area, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult.
What is the most popular road cycling route in Six Mile?
The most popular road cycling route in Six Mile is the Twelve Mile River loop. This easy 13.1-mile (21.1 km) trail is favored for its pleasant ride through the local river valley.
Are there any road cycling routes that pass through protected natural areas?
Yes, the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve loop is a difficult 59.1-mile (95.1 km) path that takes you through a protected natural area, offering substantial climbs and descents within its scenic boundaries.
What is the elevation gain like on road cycling routes in Six Mile?
The elevation gain varies significantly across routes. Easy routes like the Twelve Mile River loop have around 250 meters of elevation gain, while more difficult routes, such as the Lydia Mountain β Tommys Knob loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park, can feature over 1300 meters of climbing.
Are there road cycling routes near Clemson?
Yes, there is a road cycling route that starts from Clemson. The Twelve Mile River loop from Clemson is a moderate 48 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering another way to explore the Twelve Mile River area.
Most popular routes around Six Mile
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