The best cycling routes around Watauga

Fort Watauga is a historic fortification constructed by early frontier settlers in the Watauga region during the late 18th century. It served as a key defensive outpost designed to protect the community from external threats. It is now open to visitors who want to learn more about the history of the local area.

The Elizabethton Covered Bridge, was built in 1882 over the Doe River It is a 154-foot-long truss bridge that has survived numerous floods, including the 1901 flood and Hurricane Helene in 2024. It is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Gap Creek Road offers a nice alternative to Mary Patton Highway. It is much smaller and less traffic. It also a small country road instead of a highway. It is not as quick as Mary Patton Highway and the highway does have a large shoulder but I find it nicer.

There are two large parking lots at this location. One is specifically for Harmon Park where you will find a nice covered picnic area and a playground for children. The other seems to be for the Carter Compassion Center and a Historical Train. The Carter Compassion Center, located between the two parking lots, is a non-profit that works to alleviate poverty in the area. At the far end of the parking lot you will find a plaque and an old train engine. The plaque gives you information about the history of trains in this area. This is an interesting place to visit or just park your car before a ride.

Fort Watauga is actually a reconstruction of the original fort that was here. Each year there are several different educational events that take place here. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park surrounds the fort and is also interesting to visit. It is not far off the Tweetsie Trail, making it an easy and interesting stop while out on a bike.

Smalling Road is a great road to cycle. It runs from Watauga Road all the way down to the Watauga River. It is a rolling, winding, country road with forest and fields all around. There is little to no traffic on it normally. When you get down near the river you can sometimes see the Betty Range Cliff through the trees in the winter. There is a nice old iron bridge that crosses the river at the bottom.

This lovely road is barely one lane wide and perfect for cycling. You won't find much traffic here and the views of the fields with the mountains surrounding them are spectacular.

This bridge was built in 1882 in order to allow the town of Elizabethton to grow to the south. Each June there is a festival/parade that honors the bridge. Although the bridge is no longer open to motor vehicle traffic, it is still open to both bicycles and pedestrians throughout the year. Cyclists must dismount before crossing.