PLEASE NOTE: This section is still under development. Rather than wait until we have the entire subregion mapped, we are posting routes as we complete them.
Beautiful Backroads
Stretching from Lookout Mountain on the west to the Chattahoochee National Forest on the east, with endless rolling farm roads in between, the Georgia Highlands south of Chattanooga offer a full range of cycling options, from big climbing challenges to deep woods adventures to rambling rural rides in the country. It also offers an extraordinary glimpse into the past with some of the most significant Civil War history in the country. Escape the stress of modern society on the beautiful backroads of the Georgia Highlands!
Points of Interest
Each of the Scenic Bikeway routes below have been carefully mapped to maximize your time on the bike, giving you the best scenery, the most enjoyable roads, and the most interesting landmarks. To that end, each map highlights "points of interest" along the way - restaurants, rest stops, historic landmarks, etc.
Route Modifications
We've also noted how each route can be modified to make them shorter or longer. While the routes have recommended loops and turnaround points, there are plenty of ways to customize each route to whatever works best for you
Chickamauga Battlefield Loop
14 miles / 600 feet of climbing
Learn about one of the most significant battles in the Civil War while enjoying some of the most peaceful cycling roads in the region!
START/FINISH: Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Catoosa County Rural Rambler
34 miles / 1900 feet of climbing
Enjoy a great mix of wooded and wide open roads as you ride through the Chickamauga Battlefield to reach the beautiful backroads of Catoosa County!
START/FINISH: Fort Oglethorpe, GA
McLemore Cove Loop (Short)
30 miles / 1500 feet of climbing
With stunning scenery, fun roads, a perfect halfway pitstop, and a farm-to-table lunch at the end, this is just about the perfect ride!
START/FINISH: Pigeon Mountain Grill, GA
McLemore Cove Loop (Long)
40 miles / 2700 feet of climbing
An extended version of the 30-mile McLemore Cove Loop that adds a little more challenge and even more gorgeous scenery!
START/FINISH: Pigeon Mountain Grill, GA
Lookout Mountain Loop
31 miles / 2900 feet of climbing
With big climbs, big views, and a fast descent, this ride has all the ingredients for an epic day on the bike conquering Chattanooga's iconic backdrop - Lookout Mountain!
START/FINISH: Treetop Hideaways, GA
LaFayette-Pigeon Mtn Loop
28 miles / 2200 feet of climbing
Ride this route as a climbing challenge, or skip the climb and treat it as a leisurely loop. Either way, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery on the low-traffic roads south of LaFayette!
START/FINISH: LaFayette, GA
Chickamauga-Lafayette Out & Back
32 miles / 1400 feet of climbing
Enjoy farmland scenery and rolling hills on a pleasant ride between historic Chickamauga and the city of LaFayette!
START/FINISH: Chickamauga, GA
Villanow Loop
46 miles / 2300 feet of climbing
The perfect mix of farms, forests and creeks with just the right amount of hills - all on low-traffic roads in a beautiful setting!
START/FINISH: Villanow, GA
Ringgold-Red Clay Loop
31 miles / 2000 feet of climbing
Head out to the rolling low-traffic farm roads near Ringgold and venture all the way to Red Clay State Park - the last capital of the Cherokee Nation!
START/FINISH: Ringgold, GA
Ringgold-Houston Valley Loop
28 miles / 2000 feet of climbing
Roll through low-traffic farmland and a pine forest on your way to taking on one of the steepest ridges in the region!
START/FINISH: Ringgold, GA
Rules of the Road
- Always wear a helmet.
- Avoid using earbuds while riding, as awareness of your surroundings at all times is crucial to your safety as well as the safety of those around you.
- Keep an eye out for vehicles while riding and be considerate to vehicles trying to pass.
- Obey all traffic laws, which means stopping at all stop signs and traffic lights.
- Ride no more than two abreast.
- Ride on the shoulder or in a bike lane whenever possible.
- If you need to stop while riding, please get completely off the road.
- When crossing train tracks, try to have your wheels perpendicular to the tracks and don't turn your handlebar when riding across. Hold your line until you're on the other side. Never ride parallel with the tracks when crossing, as bike tires are easily caught in the gaps next to the rails.
- Control your speed on fast descents by feathering your brakes, and always brake before entering sharp turns (as opposed to a sudden hard squeeze in the middle of a turn).
- Communicate with other cyclists when riding as a group. When turning, signal with your hand and tell everyone which direction you're turning. Announce when you're slowing down or coming to a stop. Call out hazards in the road.
- Be predictable. Ride in a straight line without zig-zagging, and ride at a consistent speed without sudden accelerations or decreases in speed.