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Afton Overlook – Sawmill Run Overlook loop from Crozet

Afton Overlook – Sawmill Run Overlook loop from Crozet

Hard

5.0

(9577)

12,526

riders

Afton Overlook – Sawmill Run Overlook loop from Crozet

04:05

73.1km

1,330m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Shenandoah National Park

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

20.3 km

Afton Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Located just 0.2 miles into the parkway, Afton Overlook is the first official overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Like many of the overlooks of the parkway, this view is of the nearby town. As you climb and descend through the mountains, you get many more views of the network of valleys, rivers, and towns that help make up this unique region of the country.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile paved highway through the states of Virginia and North Carolina. The road is extremely popular for cyclists, cars, and motorcycles, so you should always exercise caution biking on the roadways. Being maintained by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its overlooks and access to natural and wilderness areas. Only paved roads (no paths or trails) are open to bikes within the boundaries of the parkway, and you can expect to see other visitors at most overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds.

Biking any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers an immersion into Southern Appalachia. Taking on the entire road in a multi-day push is an extreme undertaking for serious cyclists; that being said, any section of the parkway can be doable for cyclists with some road biking experience and the right gear.

Tip by

37.0 km

Sawmill Run Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Sawmill Run Overlook sits on a point where Appalachian Trail meets Skyline Drive, and, being accessible by car, it’s not so secluded as other viewpoints in the AT. However, it is a great trailhead to start on the Appalachian Trail. From the overlook you can appreciate expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains covered by forest, and in particular the nearby Turk Mountain Summit.

Tip by

66.3 km

TransAmerica Bicycle Trail – Route 76 (Virginia)

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Trans America Bicycle Trail or US Bicycle Route 76, is a nationwide 4,228 mile cross-country biking trail that passes through Virginia's Blue Ridge. There are twelve sections and a portion of Section 12 winds through Virginia's Blue Ridge mountains. It goes from Christiansburg, north through Botetourt County and then on to Lexington before connecting with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It finishes on the Virginia coast.

Tip by

73.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

65.8 km

5.66 km

1.07 km

482 m

148 m

Surfaces

54.2 km

18.7 km

170 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (790 m)

Lowest point (200 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 24 July

27°C

16°C

17 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a serious challenge with incredible rewards, the Afton Overlook – Sawmill Run Overlook loop from Crozet is a difficult road cycling route that delivers. This 45.4-mile (73.0 km) ride packs in 3958 feet (1206 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 3 hours and 53 minutes to complete, making it perfect for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding day out with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views.

What to expect on Afton Overlook – Sawmill Run Overlook loop from Crozet

This route is a journey through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, starting with the magnificent vistas at Afton Overlook. As you pedal, you'll experience sweeping mountain views, lush forests, and rolling hills, with overlooks into valleys and towns. The Sawmill Run Overlook offers expansive, forested views, often with the distinctive Turk Mountain Summit visible in the distance. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and a demanding ride; this loop requires very good fitness to truly enjoy the challenging terrain and rewarding viewpoints.

Planning your visit

The route integrates with the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, which is renowned for its scenic beauty. While road surfaces are generally well-paved, be aware that some segments, particularly on more difficult routes in this region, may be unpaved and more challenging. The Blue Ridge Parkway does not have dedicated bike lanes, so you will be sharing the road with cars and motorcycles; exercise caution. For the best experience, consider an early morning start to catch spectacular sunrises at Afton Overlook.

Trail details