Old Highway 25 from Les Mullinax Park via North Saluda Reservoir

You can typically park at Les Mullinax Park, which serves as a convenient starting point for this route. It provides direct access to the Old Highway 25 area.

The route passes through the Greenville Watershed area. While cycling on the public roads like Old Highway 25 is generally permitted, it's always advisable to check with local authorities for any specific regulations or temporary restrictions related to the protected watershed, especially concerning off-road access or specific activities.

This route is known for its challenging terrain, featuring sustained climbs and significant elevation changes. For example, sections can involve elevation gains of nearly 900 feet over 2.6 miles with average gradients of 2.8%, and some parts reaching 4-6%. It requires good to very good fitness and is considered a moderate difficulty ride, often necessitating climbing gears.

The route offers continuous beautiful scenery. You'll enjoy views of the bright blue water from the North Saluda Reservoir during climbs, ride through sections with running water from the forest, and under a canopy of trees. The Saluda Grade portion is particularly picturesque, tucked into nature with a rock wall on one side and a river flowing below on the other, featuring small waterfalls.

Road conditions vary along the route. While the Saluda Grade is noted for its excellent and very smooth pavement, the 'Watershed' side towards Hendersonville has been described as having many cracks, rough spots, and holes, which can make descending challenging. The portion closer to Saluda is generally in better condition.

The route is approximately 24.7 km (15.3 miles) long with 443 meters (1,453 feet) of elevation gain. On average, cyclists can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 18 minutes, though this can vary based on fitness level and stops.

Given the sustained climbs and significant elevation changes, this route is considered demanding and requires good to very good fitness. It is generally not recommended for beginners or young families looking for a leisurely ride.

The route is popular year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, making them ideal. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter might bring colder temperatures, though snow is rare. Weekends often see more cyclists but still maintain relatively low car traffic.

As this is primarily a road cycling route with challenging terrain and varying road conditions, it is generally not suitable for cycling with dogs. Additionally, the area is part of a protected watershed, which may have specific regulations regarding pets.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Saluda Mountains Passage of the Palmetto Trail and the Old Columbia Highway.

While the route itself is primarily through a natural, protected watershed area with limited amenities directly on the road, you can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in nearby towns like Travelers Rest or Saluda.