The best cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park
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rides
Touring cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic overlooks, offering varied terrain for cyclists. The park's elevation changes provide both challenging climbs and rewarding descents. This region features a mix of paved and unpaved paths, suitable for different types of touring bicycles.
Best touring cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park
- The most popular touring cycling route is North Line Trace, a 6.6 miles (10.7 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete. This route features moderate elevation changes through wooded areas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Brinegar Cabin to Air Bellows Overlook — Blue Ridge Parkway, an easy 3.2 miles (5.2 km) path. This trail offers gentle gradients and scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Devils Garden Overlook to Air Bellows Overlook, a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail leading through forested sections and offering panoramic vistas, often completed in about 19 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Stone Mountain State Park is defined by forested paths, scenic overlooks, and sections along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels, catering to various cycling preferences.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
10.7km
00:50
300m
300m
The North Line Trace offers a moderate touring cycling experience, covering 6.6 miles (10.7 km) with a 980 feet (299 metres) elevation gain. This route typically takes around 49 minutes to complete, guiding you through rolling terrain. As you cycle, you will find diverse natural beauty and several viewpoints, such as the Stone Mountain Overlook, perfect for a brief stop to admire the landscape.
This route is primarily on paved surfaces, making it well-suited for touring cyclists. You can generally find parking at the various overlooks located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Before you head out, always remember to check local conditions for any seasonal closures or weather advisories that might affect your ride.
While this segment is a quick ride, it provides a glimpse into the much larger 400-mile North Line Trace that spans across North Carolina. This specific section allows you to sample the varied scenery and natural beauty characteristic of the broader journey. It is an engaging way to experience a portion of this extensive route.
5.22km
00:25
150m
150m
Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride from Brinegar Cabin to Air Bellows Overlook, a pleasant journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route covers 3.2 miles (5.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 485 feet (148 metres), making it a perfect short outing that takes approximately 24 minutes. As you cycle, you will experience the characteristic terrain of Doughton Park, featuring open meadows and forested sections, all while enjoying picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
When planning your visit, remember that the Blue Ridge Parkway does not have dedicated bike lanes, so you will share the road with motor vehicles. Visibility can change quickly due to fog and rain, especially at higher elevations, so it is wise to wear high-visibility clothing and use proper lighting. Services like food and water are not consistently available along this section, so plan to bring your own supplies for the ride.
This route offers more than just a ride; it is an opportunity to explore the historic Brinegar Cabin and its garden, providing a window into Appalachian life. The Air Bellows Overlook rewards you with expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the diverse wildflowers that add to the natural beauty of this scenic stretch of the Parkway.
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3.97km
00:19
120m
120m
This easy touring cycling route takes you along a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will cover 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 395 feet (120 metres), which you can complete in about 19 minutes. As you pedal, you'll experience a continuous uphill segment, offering rewarding views at both the start and end. From Devils Garden Overlook, you can spot picturesque North Carolina mountains like Sugarloaf and Rich Mountain, framed by the natural topography.
When planning your ride, be aware that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a narrow, two-lane road. You should always be mindful of traffic, as shoulders can be inconsistent along this stretch. Parking is conveniently available at both the Devils Garden Overlook, located at Milepost 235.7, and the Air Bellows Overlook, at Milepost 236.9. This makes it straightforward to begin or conclude your touring bicycle adventure from either end.
As you cycle towards Air Bellows Overlook, you will gain elevation, leading to panoramic vistas across the North Carolina and Virginia countryside. Look out for prominent features like Peach Bottom Mountain and Mount Rogers in the distance. Below, you will see agricultural valleys and numerous Christmas tree farms, adding to the unique charm of this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
9.70km
00:40
180m
180m
The Brinegar Cabin to Wildcat Rock Overlook touring bicycle route offers a moderate ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will cover 6.0 miles (9.7 km) with an elevation gain of 607 feet (185 metres), typically taking about 40 minutes. Expect picturesque vistas and stunning mountain scenery as you cycle through Doughton Park. The route connects the historic Brinegar Cabin, providing a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life, with the scenic Wildcat Rock Overlook. This overlook features beautiful views and a convenient picnic area, making it a great spot to pause.
When planning your touring bicycle trip, remember that cyclists must stay on the paved Parkway surfaces and parking areas; bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. Amenities along the Blue Ridge Parkway often operate seasonally, so check ahead for availability. For your safety, always wear a helmet, use lights during times of low visibility, and ride single file on the right side of the road. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the Parkway.
This segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway provides a characteristic taste of the region's terrain and natural beauty. As you cycle, you will experience ridge-top meadows and steep mountainsides, showcasing the diverse landscape within Doughton Park. The route is notable for its blend of natural scenery and historical interest, linking a preserved 19th-century cabin with expansive mountain views.
24.4km
01:48
510m
510m
Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure from Wildcat Rock Overlook to Laurel Springs, a difficult route spanning 15.1 miles (24.4 km). You will experience a significant climb of 1680 feet (512 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 47 minutes, offering continuous picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you cycle, you'll pass through Doughton Park, an area celebrated for its expansive open meadows and diverse wildlife, with opportunities to spot seasonal wildflowers like flame azalea and rhododendron in forested sections.
When planning your ride, be aware that this route follows paved road surfaces without dedicated bike lanes, meaning you will share the road with motor vehicles. It is crucial to be self-sufficient; carry ample water and food to sustain you throughout the journey. Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions, including the possibility of fog and rain, particularly at higher elevations along the Parkway.
This segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a demanding ride through the iconic mountain landscape. The route's passage through Doughton Park highlights its natural beauty, providing a chance to immerse yourself in an environment rich with classic Parkway scenery. It's a notable option for cyclists looking for a substantial physical challenge combined with stunning vistas.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Stone Mountain State Park
Tips from the Community
The trail (from the cabins to Devil Garden) is currently only accessible for about 700 meters. After that, it is littered with fallen trees. Avoiding it is not possible. However, other trails, such as Bluff Mountain, lead from the parking lot. This trail is cleared and very beautiful. You can also follow the signs. It's impossible to get lost.
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Brinegar Cabin is located at Milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a restored structure offering history about homesteading and the surrounding landscape from the late 1800s. It's easy to start reading all the informational signs and walking around the short paths near the parking area, making this a great place to visit after a bike ride on the parkway.
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Wildcat Rock Overlook is located at Milepost 238.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway within Doughton Park. There is a picnic area and paved trail to the water tower if you want to leave the bike behind for a moment. There are a bunch of picnic tables with views near the parking area.
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Located at Milepost 242 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Alligator Back Overlook looks out over a series of peaks resembling the notches on an alligator's back (hence the name). The overlook has a small observation deck with information about the flora, fauna, and trails within the Doughton Park boundaries.
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Air Bellows Overlook sits at Milepost 236.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can access the Mountains-to-Sea Trail across the street from the overlook, and you get panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and hillsides of both North Carolina and Virginia from the main overlook area.
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Bullhead Mountain Overlook is located at Milepost 233.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 3,200 feet elevation. You can see a handful of different mountains, with Bullhead Mountain being the centerpiece of this view.
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Mahogany Rock Overlook is located at Milepost 235 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The view from the overlook is of a good handful of mountains, and you also have the luxury of a picnic table and trashcan at this location. With so many other overlooks in the area, this one usually doesn't get too crowded.
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Mahogany Rock Overlook is located at Milepost 235 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The view from the overlook is of a good handful of mountains, and you also have the luxury of a picnic table and trashcan at this location. With so many other overlooks in the area, this one usually doesn't get too crowded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general difficulty levels for touring cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park?
Stone Mountain State Park offers a range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 2 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, providing options for beginners to experienced cyclists.
Are there any easy, family-friendly cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park?
Yes, for families or those seeking a relaxed ride, routes like Brinegar Cabin to Air Bellows Overlook — Blue Ridge Parkway offer gentle gradients and scenic views. Another easy option is Devils Garden Overlook to Air Bellows Overlook, which is shorter and leads through forested sections.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Stone Mountain State Park?
The park's touring cycling routes feature a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic overlooks. You'll encounter varied terrain with elevation changes, offering both challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Some paths are paved, while others are unpaved, catering to different touring bicycle types.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge can explore routes like Wildcat Rock Overlook to Laurel Springs. This route covers a significant distance of over 24 km with substantial elevation changes, making it one of the more difficult options in the park.
What are some scenic viewpoints accessible by touring bicycle in Stone Mountain State Park?
Many routes offer panoramic vistas, especially those along the Blue Ridge Parkway. For example, the Brinegar Cabin to Air Bellows Overlook — Blue Ridge Parkway route provides scenic views, and the Devils Garden Overlook to Air Bellows Overlook also features panoramic sections.
Are there any loop bike trails in Stone Mountain State Park?
While many routes are point-to-point or out-and-back, you can often combine sections to create loop experiences. For instance, the North Line Trace offers a moderate loop-like experience through wooded areas with moderate elevation changes.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Stone Mountain State Park?
The best time for touring cycling in Stone Mountain State Park is typically during spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather and potential humidity. Winter cycling is possible but may be limited by colder temperatures and occasional icy conditions on higher elevations.
What should I bring for a touring cycling trip in Stone Mountain State Park?
For touring cycling in the park, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, snacks, a basic repair kit, and appropriate gear for varying weather conditions. Given the elevation changes, layers of clothing are recommended. A helmet is essential for safety.
Are there any moderate touring cycling routes that offer a good balance of challenge and scenery?
Yes, the North Line Trace is a popular moderate route, approximately 10.7 km long, featuring moderate elevation changes through wooded areas. Another excellent moderate option is Brinegar Cabin to Wildcat Rock Overlook, offering a good balance of distance and elevation.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Stone Mountain State Park?
There are 6 touring cycling routes detailed for Stone Mountain State Park, providing a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What are some nearby attractions or points of interest I can explore while cycling in the park?
While specific highlight data isn't provided for these routes, the park itself is known for its natural beauty. Many routes traverse sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering access to its numerous overlooks and historical sites. You can often find information about specific points of interest like Brinegar Cabin or various overlooks directly along the routes mentioned.
Most popular routes in Stone Mountain State Park
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