Join Shane on an epic gravel ride!!! Take Waterville exit 451, from I-40 and meet at 1339 Waterville Dam Road paved parking lot at 10:00 AM then drive to gravel ride start. Several of us plan to carpool to this new ride location. Forward questions to Shane Paxton.
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https://ridewithgps.com/trips/341523982
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Gravel Ride
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Cataloochee Loop via Mt. Sterling Gap
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Meet at Mt. Sterling Gap 35.70026 N, 83.09749 W
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Rollout @ 1100
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Route: Mt. Sterling Gap to end of the Cataloochee Valley
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Mileage: 28 (including optional excursion)
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Elevation Gain: 3800 (including optional excursion)
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Weather Predicted as of 10/10/25: (NWS) Sunny, high of 62 at Mt. Sterling Gap (3800’ elevation), sunny high of 71 in Cataloochee Valley.
Ride Leader:
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Shane Paxton 865-770-2043
Ride Description: Descend from Mt Sterling Gap to the metal truss bridge at Cataloochee creek. This bridge is currently closed to cars but open to pedestrians/cyclists. Ascend up to Intersection 1 riding by waterfalls and old growth Hemlock stands. Left at intersection 1 takes us to intersection 2. A right turn onto pavement takes us downhill into Cataloochee Valley. Pavement turns to gravel leading us to restrooms for a break near the Palmer Chapel. Continuing out the main gravel rd leads us by the Caldwell House & Helene effects to the turn-around gate at Rough Fork. Back out Cataloochee Valley rd then a left onto gravel by Palmer House, right turn across another metal bridge to complete the loop back up to intersection 1. Left turn leads back to Mt Sterling Gap start/finish.
*Optional 4-mile o&b excursion to the Hannah Cabin, Little Cat Church, and Cook cabin if interested.
Cell service is none-to-very little.
Gravel rd up to Mt Sterling Gap is in great shape. Happy to help link up transportation if needed.
A good spot to transition vehicles is at the Waterville Dam parking lot:
https://maps.apple.com/?ll=35.773654,-83.100495&q=Dropped%20Pin&t=h.
** If driving in from Cosby, at Davenport Gap, where the rd transitions for a short gravel stint down to Big Creek intersection, note that it is marked “Rd Closed”. This is put there by locals to keep tourists out. Ignore and proceed.