Mill Pond – Wildcat Lake loop from Avery

The Mill Pond – Wildcat Lake loop from Avery is one of those road cycling routes that truly earns its "moderate" difficulty rating, offering a solid workout with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. This 31.2-mile (50.2 km) loop packs in 2655 feet (809 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice if you're a road cyclist with good fitness looking for a challenging ride that might also throw in some mixed-surface segments.

What to expect on Mill Pond – Wildcat Lake loop from Avery

As you pedal the Mill Pond – Wildcat Lake loop, you'll experience the diverse terrain characteristic of Avery County. The route winds through scenic areas, with the promise of picturesque waterside stretches near Wildcat Lake and Mill Pond. While primarily a road cycling route, be prepared for some segments that may be unpaved and challenging, requiring a good level of bike handling and potentially wider tires. The constant climbing and descending will keep your legs working, rewarding you with expansive mountain vistas typical of the Blue Ridge. This route is best suited for road cyclists who don't mind a bit of adventure on varied surfaces or those on endurance road bikes or gravel bikes.

Planning your visit

When planning your ride on the Mill Pond – Wildcat Lake loop, be aware that some sections of the route may be unpaved. This means you should consider your bike choice carefully; while road bikes can tackle it, wider-tired endurance bikes or gravel bikes might offer a more comfortable experience on these varied surfaces. There are no specific warnings about permits or seasonal closures mentioned, so focus on preparing for the physical demands of the ride and the potential for mixed terrain.

Trail details

• Distance: 31.2 miles (50.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 2655 feet (809 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 32 minutes