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Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop

Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop

Hard

4.6

(1248)

6,297

riders

Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop

Q: How challenging is the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop for road cycling?

This loop is considered difficult and is best suited for experienced road cyclists with very good fitness. It features significant elevation changes, including over 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) of climbing over 45.2 kilometers (28 miles), with some segments reaching double-digit gradients.

Q: How long does it typically take to cycle this loop?

On average, cyclists can expect to complete the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, your actual duration will depend on your fitness level, speed, and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Q: What kind of views and scenery can I expect along the route?

The loop offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the ancestral Cherokee homelands. You'll pass numerous scenic overlooks, including the Oconaluftee River Overlook , View of Raven Fork , View of Thomas Divide , Big Witch Overlook , and Plott Balsam Overlook .

Q: Where can I park to access the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop?

A convenient place to park for this loop is at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, which provides direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a popular starting point for cyclists in the area.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. However, if you plan to visit any attractions or facilities that are part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, separate fees or regulations might apply.

Q: Is the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop dog-friendly?

While the Blue Ridge Parkway generally allows leashed dogs at overlooks and picnic areas, this is a road cycling route. Dogs are typically not permitted on the road itself for safety reasons. If you bring a dog, they would need to remain in a vehicle or at designated stops.

Q: What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The best time to cycle the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the scenic views are at their peak. Be aware that temperatures can vary significantly with elevation changes.

Q: Does this cycling route pass through any tunnels?

Yes, as a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this loop includes several tunnels. The North Carolina section of the Parkway alone has 25 tunnels. Cyclists are required to use lights or reflectors when passing through tunnels and during periods of low visibility for safety.

Q: Does the route intersect with any other well-known trails?

Yes, sections of this cycling route run parallel to or briefly intersect with parts of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail . While these are primarily hiking trails, you may see signs for them along the way.

Q: What should I bring for a challenging ride like this?

Given the significant climbs and potential for variable weather, it's essential to be well-prepared. Bring plenty of water and snacks, appropriate cycling gear, layers of clothing for changing temperatures, a repair kit, and front and rear lights for visibility, especially for the tunnels.

02:40

45.2km

1,160m

Road cycling

Cycle the difficult 28.1-mile Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, gaining 3820 feet with mountain views.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

9 m

Oconaluftee River Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Oconaluftee River Overlook is the most southern official viewpoint on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At Milepost 468.4, it is the final stop of the parkway before reaching the National …

Tip by

855 m

View of Raven Fork

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Raven Fork Overlook can be found at Milepost 467.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The vegetation next to the pull-off blocks the valley view, but you can still see some of the ridges and mountain peaks in the background.

Tip by

7.27 km

View of Thomas Divide

Highlight • Viewpoint

There is a picnic table here at the Thomas Divide View (Milepost 463.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) overlook, but the view is mostly blocked by overgrowth. If you are …

Tip by

10.6 km

Big Witch Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Big Witch Overlook (Milepost 461.9) is a popular stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It peers out at a couple long mountain ridges that block any views of mountains …

Tip by

14.5 km

Bunches Bald Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Bunches Bald Overlook is situated at Milepost 459.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even though the word "bald" is in the name, the viewpoint isn't situated on a bald, …

Tip by

15.5 km

Lickstone Ridge Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Lickstone Ridge Overlook can be found at Milepost 458.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook is overgrown in spots, but there are still a few views of the …

Tip by

17.1 km

Plott Balsam Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Plott Balsam Overlook is located at Milepost 457.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook includes some informational signs that go along with the sweeping views of the valleys …

Tip by

20.7 km

View of Soco Gap

Highlight • Viewpoint

At Milepost 455.5, you can hop off the parkway and check out Soco Gap. There are some spotty clearings with views of the surrounding mountains from the actual gap up …

Tip by

45.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

23.1 km

20.8 km

1.03 km

285 m

Surfaces

45.2 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,590 m)

Lowest point (590 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 7 May

17°C

7°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How challenging is the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop for road cycling?

This loop is considered difficult and is best suited for experienced road cyclists with very good fitness. It features significant elevation changes, including over 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) of climbing over 45.2 kilometers (28 miles), with some segments reaching double-digit gradients.

How long does it typically take to cycle this loop?

On average, cyclists can expect to complete the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, your actual duration will depend on your fitness level, speed, and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

What kind of views and scenery can I expect along the route?

The loop offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the ancestral Cherokee homelands. You'll pass numerous scenic overlooks, including the Oconaluftee River Overlook, View of Raven Fork, View of Thomas Divide, Big Witch Overlook, and Plott Balsam Overlook.

Where can I park to access the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop?

A convenient place to park for this loop is at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, which provides direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a popular starting point for cyclists in the area.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. However, if you plan to visit any attractions or facilities that are part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, separate fees or regulations might apply.

Is the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop dog-friendly?

While the Blue Ridge Parkway generally allows leashed dogs at overlooks and picnic areas, this is a road cycling route. Dogs are typically not permitted on the road itself for safety reasons. If you bring a dog, they would need to remain in a vehicle or at designated stops.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The best time to cycle the Wolftown, Paint Town, & Cherokee loop is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the scenic views are at their peak. Be aware that temperatures can vary significantly with elevation changes.

Does this cycling route pass through any tunnels?

Yes, as a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this loop includes several tunnels. The North Carolina section of the Parkway alone has 25 tunnels. Cyclists are required to use lights or reflectors when passing through tunnels and during periods of low visibility for safety.

Does the route intersect with any other well-known trails?

Yes, sections of this cycling route run parallel to or briefly intersect with parts of the

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

and the

Oconaluftee River Trail

. While these are primarily hiking trails, you may see signs for them along the way.

What should I bring for a challenging ride like this?

Given the significant climbs and potential for variable weather, it's essential to be well-prepared. Bring plenty of water and snacks, appropriate cycling gear, layers of clothing for changing temperatures, a repair kit, and front and rear lights for visibility, especially for the tunnels.

Are there any cafes or places to refuel near the loop?

The town of Cherokee, located at the base of the Parkway, offers various options for cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can refuel before or after your ride. There are no commercial services directly on this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway itself.