If you’re looking for a cycling and bikepacking adventure that combines challenging climbs, remote mountain landscapes, beautiful valleys, and a journey through the heart of rural Southwest Virginia, the Heart of Appalachia Bicycle Route deserves a place on your bucket list.
The full designated route is 128 miles, but only the 99 miles from Burke’s Garden to St. Paul are complete. Ride only from Burke’s Garden to St. Paul. This guide features that 99-mile cycling adventure through some of the most scenic and memorable landscapes in the Heart of Appalachia.
You can ride a section of the route, ride it over three days, or turn your trip into a bikepacking adventure with overnight stays at recommended campgrounds and other lodging options along the way. For riders planning to experience the entire 99-mile ride, we recommend beginning in Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, Virginia, and ending in St. Paul, with lodging and camping options suggested along the route.
This is an expert-level ride best suited for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with challenging climbs, changing road surfaces, remote stretches, and the demands of mountain cycling. Endurance cyclists may choose to tackle the route in a single day.
What is the Heart of Appalachia Bicycle Route?
The Heart of Appalachia Bicycle Route was created decades ago by Frank Kilgore, a passionate Southwest Virginian and advocate for the outdoors. His vision helped establish a route that showcases the region’s mountain scenery, rural communities, and extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities.Today, we proudly promote this route in honor of Mr. Kilgore and the legacy he left for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The designated route runs 128 miles from Burke’s Garden to Guest River Gorge, through Tazewell, Bland, Russell, and Wise counties. The section west of St. Paul, which carries Mr. Kilgore’s name, is not complete. The route follows a Forest Service road through the Beartown Wilderness area of the Jefferson National Forest and crosses the TransAmerica Bike Route in Russell County.
Come for the ride. Stay for the scenery. Discover the communities, landscapes, and one-of-a-kind experiences that make the Heart of Appalachia special.
Before You Ride the Heart of Appalachia Bicycle Route
Prepare for about 20% gravel, 80% paved, and unparalleled beauty of national forest, farmlands, and fertile river valleys
| Before You Ride | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended route | 99 miles, Burke’s Garden to St. Paul. Do not ride past St. Paul; the rest of the route is not complete. |
| Difficulty | Expert |
| Recommended starting point | Burke’s Garden (Tazewell County) |
| Recommended ending point | St. Paul (Russell & Wise Counties) |
| Trip style | Three-day ride, individual sections, or bikepacking adventure |
| Best time to ride | Spring, Summer, Early Fall |
| Counties | Tazewell, Bland, Russell, and Wise |
| Climbing | Roughly 8,000 to 10,000 feet, depending on how your app measures elevation |
| Forest roads | Bicycles are permitted on the route’s Forest Service roads |
| Cell service | Generally good in many areas, but coverage can vary in remote mountain and forest sections |
| Navigation | Use the mapping app of your choice; Ride with GPS is recommended. The Ride with GPS route continues past St. Paul, so end your ride in St. Paul. A free route map is available. |
| Camping | Several options are available along or near the route |
Wildlife and Natural Encounters on the Route
One of the most exciting aspects of riding this bicycle route is the chance to experience Appalachian wildlife in its natural habitat.
Prepare to encounter:
The entire HOA bicycle route travels amazing forest and farmlands, making wildlife encounters especially memorable.
The combination of national forest/wilderness lands, farmlands, and fertile river valleys created a thriving environment where wildlife continues to return and expand.
Recommended Camping and Lodging Options
Confirm campground locations, operating dates, reservations, and bicycle access before departure.
| Camping and Lodging | Details |
|---|---|
| Jefferson National Forest | Dispersed camping available in designated or otherwise permitted areas. Check current Forest Service regulations before setting up camp. |
| Slates Farm Campground | Honaker, on the Clinch River and about three-tenths of a mile from the route; seasonal operation. |
| Cleveland RiverBend Campground | Off the route, with a steep drop to the river and a hard climb back out; an option for the extremely serious cyclist. |
| Camp Mountventures | In St. Paul, offering another option for an overnight adventure. |
| Airbnb and hotels | A few Airbnb options exist along this route. Hotels and inns are in Tazewell County and Russell County. Visit our county websites for planning. |
