The best traffic-free bike rides in Gee Creek Wilderness

No, bicycles, including gravel bikes, are generally prohibited within the designated Gee Creek Wilderness area itself. The trails within the wilderness are specifically for hiking to preserve its primitive nature. However, the broader Cherokee National Forest, which surrounds Gee Creek Wilderness, offers an extensive network of gravel roads perfect for biking.

While the wilderness area is for hikers, the surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides numerous traffic-free gravel roads. Our guide features several challenging routes in this area, such as the Gravel loop from Long Island or the Reliance – Lost Creek Campground loop from Woody Island, which offer extensive gravel riding opportunities.

The gravel bike routes featured in this guide, located in the Cherokee National Forest surrounding Gee Creek Wilderness, are generally considered difficult. They often involve significant elevation gains and long distances, making them suitable for experienced gravel riders. For example, the Ditney Mountain – Buck Bald loop from Woody Island covers over 84 km with nearly 2000 meters of climbing.

Given the challenging nature of the routes listed in this guide, which are all rated as 'difficult' with substantial distances and elevation, they may not be suitable for young children or beginners. For family-friendly options, you might look for shorter, flatter sections of forest service roads in the broader Cherokee National Forest, or consider the Hiwassee area which offers some easier, mostly unpaved routes.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on leash on the forest service roads and trails within the Cherokee National Forest, which is where the gravel biking routes are located. Always ensure your dog is under control and that you pack out any waste. Remember to bring enough water for both yourself and your pet, especially on longer rides.

The routes traverse dense woodlands of hemlock, buckeye, white pine, beech, and rhododendron. You'll encounter clear waters of creeks like Gee Creek and Poplar Springs Branch, known for native trout. Many routes offer mountain vistas, especially from areas like Starr Mountain, providing scenic views to the south and west. You might also pass historical remnants of old mining sites.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Cherokee National Forest, including those highlighted in this guide, are designed as loops. This allows for a continuous ride back to your starting point without retracing your path. Examples include the Reliance – Ditney Mountain loop from Woody Island and the Black Mountain – Reliance loop from Woody Island.

The area is suitable for gravel biking year-round. In winter, the dense forests offer some shielding from wind, and the gravel roads generally hold up well in wet or snowy conditions. During summer, the numerous creeks provide opportunities to cool off. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Generally, no specific permits are required for gravel biking on the forest service roads within the Cherokee National Forest. However, it's always a good practice to check the official Cherokee National Forest website for any updated regulations or temporary closures before your ride.

Given the challenging and often remote nature of these routes, it's crucial to be self-sufficient. Pack plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit (including spare tubes, pump, and multi-tool), navigation tools (like a fully charged phone with offline maps), appropriate clothing layers for changing weather, and a first-aid kit. Cell service can be spotty, so don't rely solely on your phone for emergencies.

While Gee Creek Falls is a significant attraction within the Gee Creek Wilderness (accessible only by hiking), the gravel bike routes in the surrounding Cherokee National Forest offer their own scenic beauty. You'll often ride alongside or cross various creeks, and the region's history includes old mining sites. For specific waterfall hikes, you would need to park and enter the wilderness area on foot to visit spots like Gee Creek Falls.