This 62.5-mile ride takes you over two tough climbs of Walden's Ridge, a twisty 3-miler out of Soddy-Daisy and a tough 4.5-mile ascent from Powell's Crossroads in the Sequatchie Valley.  You're rewarded for your efforts by two great descents and a rolling, scenic ride down the beautiful Sequatchie Valley.

Address: Sequatchie Valley, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 4 miles from downtown Chattanooga

Map(s) and directions: Take US 27N to Signal Mountain Rd exit, then west on Signal Mountain Rd to the Kmart, which is on the right at the intersection with Mountain Creek Rd.

Activity type: Advanced; best suited for experienced, fit cyclists.  With two major climbs and many smaller hills along the way, this one's not for the weak of heart (or leg).

Dates/Hours: year round

RIDE LENGTH
62.5 miles

RIDE START/FINISH LOCATION
The ride starts at the Mountain Creek Kmart at the corner of Signal Mountain Road and Mountain Creek Road.

RESTROOMS
Available during business hours at Kmart or other adjacent fast food outlets and convenience stores.

SPECIAL FEATURES
two extended mountain climbs and descents, plus a quiet, rolling route down the lovely Sequatchie River Valley with mountains on both sides.  The final descent of Suck Creek Mountain is long and sweeping, with a whitewater stream next to the road for most of the way.  (Note that temperatures and conditions can vary considerably with elevation, so be prepared for changeable weather.)

ACCESS ISSUES
none' parking is plentiful at the Kmart, and while there is a "road closed" sign at the top of the descent into the Sequatchie Valley on Henson Gap Rd, the road IS open to local traffic.  But be sure to exercise care going down, as the pavement is rough and broken in spots, and there are two very tight sets of switchback S-curves on the descent.