Chattanooga to Enterprise South Nature Park loop via US Bike Route 21

This loop is rated as difficult for touring cyclists. You can expect significant elevation changes, particularly within Enterprise South Nature Park and on sections of US Bike Route 21. The overall route involves hills and varied gradients, with some climbs on USBR 21 having average grades of 3.6% to 4.5%.

For touring cyclists, this 38 km (23.6 miles) loop typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The route offers varied terrain. The connecting sections of US Bike Route 21 are primarily paved. Within Enterprise South Nature Park, you'll find 6 miles of paved pedestrian/bike trails suitable for road biking, as well as 10-15 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails if you choose to explore off-road. Expect heavily wooded, hilly terrain with elevation changes throughout the park.

You can find parking at Enterprise South Nature Park itself. The park also has a 7-mile driving loop that cyclists can utilize, and it's a good starting point for exploring the area and connecting to US Bike Route 21.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Enterprise South Nature Park. It is open to the public.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during spring and fall when temperatures are milder. The heavily wooded areas provide good shade, but summer can still be hot and humid. Winter cycling is possible but be prepared for colder temperatures.

You'll be immersed in a natural forest environment with diverse wildlife, including turkey, deer, hawks, coyote, and raccoons. The park maintains food plots to attract animals, increasing your chances of sightings. From the Scenic Overlook, you can see Lookout, Signal, Elder, and Mowbray Mountains. The Still Hallow Loop offers views of White Oak Mountain. The route also traverses the Tennessee River Valley, providing scenic views as it crosses ridges east of Chickamauga Lake.

Yes, within Enterprise South Nature Park, you can visit the Still Hallow Loop, which offers scenic views. The park also preserves the heritage of a former U.S. Army ammunition plant, with 100 concrete TNT storage magazines still visible, adding a unique historical element to your ride.

Yes, Enterprise South Nature Park is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally allowed on trails but must be kept on a leash. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of US Bike Route 21 (Tennessee) and also passes through parts of the Log Rythm Mountain Bike Trail, Atlas Mountain Bike Trail, TNT Mountain Bike Trail, and Black Forest Mountain Bike Trail within Enterprise South Nature Park.

Yes, Enterprise South Nature Park offers 6 miles of paved pedestrian/bike trails that are suitable for road biking and families. Additionally, some mountain bike trails, like Black Forest and TNT, are described as 'green difficulty' singletrack, indicating they are generally easy with flowing sections, which might be suitable for more adventurous families.