|
Ride Summary:
A great ride offering views, climbs, singletrack descents and solitude.
Trail Description:
Starting at an elevation of 1340', the trail heads to the south and begins a gradual climb. At mile 1.4 the trail gets very steep through a series of switch backs. At mile 2.1 reach where Longest Mile connects into the trail. Stay to the left as you will return via the Longest Mile. From this junction continue climbing to 2280' at mile 2.6. Continue past Rankin Spring at mile 3.4. Then at mile 3.8 take the spur to Coyote Point. Here you'll get tremendous views into the Tennessee Valley. Stop and break if you wish as there are picnic tables. Return to the main trail and begin a long descent. At mile 5.8 the trail crosses Hall Branch Creek several times before intersecting a gravel road at mile 6.8. Continue down the road to where the trail heads up the rugged Carl Branch Spur (1020'). Cross over the gravel road again at mile 8.8. Now the reward! Begin fast Longest Mile downhill section (2.7 miles) to the junction you bypassed earlier. Take a left and begin your final descent to the parking lot. To extend the ride, instead of going up Carl Branch Spur, you can climb the gravel road, or go up the Saw Mill trail (an extra 2.1 miles). The Saw Mill trail is adds a slick downhill if you start at the junction of the Longest Mile and the gravel road. One recommendation is to climb the gravel road, do the Saw Mill downhill, then climb up the road again and continue onto the Longest Mile.
How to get there:
From Knoxville, head West on I-40. At US 27 exit and head North. Turn west at the Lone Mountain State Forest signs (Clayton Howard Rd.) and go about 0.3 miles to the Forestry headquarters. Park across the road from the headquarters.
Additional Notes:
USGS Camp Austin Quadrangle. There is also a map available from the Forestry Office at the trail head.
| Posted by: Roger Hale on 8/19/2009 |
|
 |
There is some really nice rideing out there. some average some very steep. The steep can be surcomvented or walked or of course even riden. You will more than likely be alone there unless there are some horse back riders, I have seen bicycle tracks but have not ran in to a fellow rider yet.
|
| Posted by: Roger Hale on 2/23/2009 |
|
|
OK so I havent riden it yet :) I have been driving all the way to Ocoee and rideing. I just found this one and am very excited to try it. I would love to have some friends to ride with rgr_hale@yahoo.com
|
| Posted by: Bryson on 12/23/2006 |
|
|
this is the mountain that never ends. take food and plenty off water. you better be in shape.
|
| Posted by: redstorm on 9/8/2006 |
|
|
This trail is hardcore for sure. I forget the guys
name but he won several of those Alaskan 7 day
races, trains here. I broke a collarbone here back in
the day. If you so desire you can hit 50mph on
these downhills. I so desired and payed but this
trail is amazing for sure
|
| Posted by: Mike-NC on 9/21/2004 |
|
|
Lone Mountain is a great ride. Training ground for olympians and pro riders, the first 3 1/2 miles is BRUTAL uphill. I promise you will carry your bike on at least one of these inclines. After the first leg, you reach Cyote Point. It's a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains from this big rock lookout. There's a couple of picnic tables there so you can take a quick break before hitting the HIGH SPEED downhill going toward Horseshoe Flats. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR BRAKES before you leave Cyote Point. You literally feel like you got shot out of a cannon leaving the point and the the winding single-track doesn't allow for error.
I rode this trail yesterday (09/21/2004) and it was a delight. The park rangers are really cool and they work hard to keep everything in good shape. There were some fallen trees on the fire road towards the end of the trail from some recent winds (off the hurricanes), but the park ranger said they would get that cleared out pronto.
I made the mist
|
| Posted by: Ladyschwinn on 6/14/2004 |
|
|
Rode in the rain. But made it to the top and back. Excellent trail and view..
|
| Posted by: Wade on 5/6/2001 |
|
|
We rode in the rain and when we got to Coyote Point we were looking at the inside of a cloud. I'm going back in the dry. This trail is remote and hardcore.
|
| Posted by: Thai Nguyen, Mobile, AL on 3/7/2001 |
|
|
This is a wakeup ride for a coastal kid. Right off the parking lot came the climb and it kept on going. I'm going back to conquer the climb!!! Also a killer decent with lots of rocks.
|
| Posted by: Joey Cross but not comple on 12/21/2000 |
|
|
I once got killed on this trail.
|
| Posted by: m.dunn/nashville on 6/25/2000 |
|
|
If you want solitude, this trail has it.
|
| 
