We can’t imagine a more beautiful landscape to cycle than Mitchell County and our surrounding areas. Cyclists love this area for the beautiful views and the exciting climbs and curves. Follow the links below when planning your next ride.
This ride starts at the Clarissa Community Center on Cane Creek Rd two miles east of Bakersville. A shorter ride with a little climbing and rolling hills with the option to repeat loops for longer distance.
Fork Mountain/Harrell Hill/Frankie & Charlie Silver Ride
3,448 feet of climbing and some fast descents through beautiful mountain countryside.
Stop at the Silver Family Burial Ground at around mile 26, sit on a bench and have a snack. The small cemetery has some graves dating back to the early 1800s. It also is where Charlie Silver is buried in three sites. His 18-year-old wife Frankie was hanged in 1833 for his murder and dismemberment with an ax. Much has been written about whether Frankie was a jealous wife as claimed at her trial or whether she was an abused wife, whether she acted alone, or whether she was indeed guilty.
The ride starts at the Clarissa Community Center, 2 miles east of Bakersville on Cane Creek Rd.
Iron Mountain/Roan Mountain Challenge
This ride starts and ends at Thomas Grocery 6 miles north of Bakersville on NC-261.
The ride includes a 2-mile ascent over Iron Mountain and down to Limestone Cove in Tennessee. Riders then roll along Simmerly Creek and follow back roads to the cool Tweetsie Railroad Grade and Doe River before the 7 mile climb up and over Roan Mountain, where a thrilling descent brings you home.
This ride starts in Green Mtn outside of Bakersville, NC.
Enjoy some rolling hills and lots of flat road along the North Toe River, Cane River, and Nolichucky River.
To get to the ride start: From the flashing light in Bakersville, go about 5.5 miles on NC 226 N and turn onto NC-197 S. Go about 4.5 miles and turn right when you see a sign for Green Mtn onto Toe River Rd. Park across from the big brick church which is next to OC Whitson Store.
This is a good recovery ride after riding the mountains, or if you prefer some easy spinning and seeing how many Great Blue Herons and ducks you can spot. It is relatively flat and follows the North Toe River and the Cane River, where it is generally cooler on hot days.
To get to the ride start: From the flashing light in Bakersville, go about 5.5 miles on NC 226 N and turn onto NC-197 S. Go about 4.5 miles and turn right when you see a sign for Green Mtn onto Toe River Rd. Park across from the big brick church which is next to OC Whitson Store.
The Toe and Cane River Ride
