View Full Version : Is Hampton to Erwin Bikeable?
In order to avoid paying for a shuttle, before I start mysection hike between Erwin, TN and Hampton, TN, next week, I’m consideringleaving my car in Hampton and then biking the 22 miles to Erwin. I was thinking I’d take US-19E N to SimerlyCreek Rd (TN-173) to TN-107. I was just wondering if anyone who knows theseroads can tell me if they are fairly safe for riding a bicycle.
Johnny Thunder
07-09-2012, 23:20
i've ridden asheville to damascus through erwin and would be comfortable on 19E or the backroads that'll get you out that way. it's a big fast road but definitely an area that sees bikes now and then.
Shooting Star
07-09-2012, 23:20
On trips back home, I take this route sometimes to cutover to I-26.
The 19E stretch is ok, but a lot of the TN-173, TN-107 stretch is hilly, curvy,
no shoulder road. It's pretty country though and I suspect that local bikers
ride these roads. Just be extra careful.
WingedMonkey
07-09-2012, 23:26
While you're waiting for a reply from someone that knows that route (I don't), check out the bicycle option on Google Maps, sometimes it does a good job, sometime it takes you on a crazy route.
Leanthree
07-09-2012, 23:36
Just take the lane, ride with traffic, stay visible and you should be fine on any road you are legally able to ride on. Enjoy the ride and the hike.
I ride my motorcycle on this route as part of a loop that includes Roan Mt. and you could ride a bicycle on it.
The pucker factor would be huge for me on 19E though...
The roads here in NE Tn are used by bicycles often with many races planned. A shorter route would be from Hampton turn left on 19E go approx 1 mile right on Gap Creek Rd. Approx 2 miles later left on Dry Creek Rd. 11/2 miles later at the Laurels Recreation Area turn left on Sciota Rd following it to Hwy 107. Turn right go approx 1 mile to deadend. Turn left following 107 into Erwin. These Roads are not high traffic roads. Enjoy your trip and the hike
Alligator
07-10-2012, 10:29
I did this once a while ago, it wasn't too bad. I would have preferred to have had a working light.
I took the route that includes Scioto Rd. I remember being extra careful to not miss the turn. Google appears to be mapping the route I rode.
There's a big hill on Dennis Cove Rd near Kincora that you wouldn't want to leave as the last part of your ride (especially if it is the last two miles of a 50 mile bike shuttle for instance). Make sure you have lights for your bike.
Remember if asking locals for directions for Sciota Rd. They pronounce it si o the rd.
Thanks everyone for the great advice! I feel good now about biking it!
Moved this thread to the "General" forums.