The best road cycling routes in Poe Creek State Forest
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riders
13
rides
Road cycling routes in Poe Creek State Forest traverse the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering expansive views of the Piedmont region. The forest spans 2,508 acres and features diverse ecosystems, including oak-hickory forests and cove forests. Scenic Highway 11 also winds through the area, providing paved roads for cyclists to experience the natural beauty. The terrain includes significant elevation changes characteristic of mountain foothills.
Best road cycling routes in Poe Creek State Forest
- The most popular road cyclingβ¦
Last updated: May 14, 2026
6
riders
58.9km
02:54
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
45.4km
02:16
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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9
riders
154km
07:55
2,650m
2,650m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
24
riders
111km
05:45
1,520m
1,520m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
100.0km
04:43
1,270m
1,270m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Poe Creek State Forest
Tips from the Community
The southern terminus of the Bartram Trail sits just outside Franklin, North Carolina. It marks the start/end of a 110-mile route through the forests and ridgelines of the Southern Appalachians. Surrounded by wildflowers and rushing streams, the trailhead offers quick access to quiet, remote terrain.
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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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The Oscar Wigington Overlook is a popular pull-off, parking area, and viewpoint along Wigington Road (also referred to as the Oscar Wigington Scenic Byway). This is a view worth stopping for whether you are climbing up or zipping down the road on your bike.
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The views from this quiet winding road are lovely with the wooded hills in the background. Keep your eye out for the interesting bird species that live in the surrounding woods.
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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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Clemson Experimental Forest is a huge 17,500-acre forest north of the university's campus. There are a number of trails, viewpoints, parking areas, and day-use areas in the forest's boundaries.
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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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There is a grassy area off the side of East Fork Road that offers a good view of some rapids on the East Fork French Broad River. This is a good break spot that offers some shade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Poe Creek State Forest?
There are 10 road cycling routes available in Poe Creek State Forest, offering a variety of experiences through the Blue Ridge Foothills.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Poe Creek State Forest?
Road cycling in Poe Creek State Forest features the rolling terrain of the Blue Ridge Foothills, offering significant elevation changes and expansive views of the Piedmont region. You'll encounter diverse forest ecosystems, including oak-hickory and cove forests.
Are there paved roads suitable for road cycling in the area?
Yes, South Carolina's scenic Highway 11 winds through the Poe Creek State Forest area, providing excellent paved surfaces for road cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty and challenging climbs.
What are the difficulty levels of road cycling routes in Poe Creek State Forest?
The routes primarily cater to experienced cyclists, with 7 routes rated as difficult and 3 as moderate. There are no easy routes listed, indicating a focus on more challenging rides with substantial climbs and descents.
Can I find scenic views or overlooks on the road cycling routes?
Absolutely. The routes traverse the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing spectacular views of the Piedmont. Many sections offer panoramic vistas, especially on routes like the Oscar Wigington Overlook β Issaqueena Falls loop from Nine Times Preserve.
What is the longest road cycling route in Poe Creek State Forest?
The longest route available is the Oscar Wigington Overlook β Issaqueena Falls loop from Nine Times Preserve, covering 154.1 km with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 7 hours to complete.
Are there any attractions or points of interest near the cycling routes?
Yes, a notable attraction is Long Shoals Wayside Park, known locally as 'Sliding Rock,' located on Little Eastatoe Creek. It's a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The Cheohee River also flows through the property, offering natural beauty. For more details on the forest's features, you can visit the South Carolina Forestry Commission website.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Poe Creek State Forest?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the Blue Ridge Foothills region generally offers pleasant cycling conditions in spring and fall with milder temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summers can be warm, and winters may bring colder weather, especially at higher elevations.
Is there parking available for road cyclists?
While specific cycling parking areas aren't detailed, Long Shoals Wayside Park, a popular recreation spot within the forest, does offer parking facilities, which could serve as a convenient starting point for some rides. The Piedmont Forestry Center also has facilities.
Can I find loop routes for road cycling?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Bald Rock β Ruins of Caesars Head Hotel loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park and the Lydia Mountain β Tommys Knob loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
What is the elevation gain like on these routes?
The routes in Poe Creek State Forest feature significant elevation gains, reflecting the mountainous foothills terrain. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Keowee-Toxaway State Park includes nearly 2000 meters of ascent, making for a demanding ride.
Are there any facilities for overnight stays near the forest?
Yes, the Piedmont Forestry Center, located within Poe Creek State Forest, offers two cabins and a conference center available for rent, providing an option for longer visits and immersion in nature.
Most popular routes in Poe Creek State Forest
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