Is Hampton to Erwin Bikeable?

[10%]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[10-K]

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...

[sarge95]

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]

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.

[sarge95]

Remember if asking locals for directions for Sciota Rd. They pronounce it si o the rd.

[10%]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I feel good now about biking it!

[attroll]

Moved this thread to the "General" forums.