This comprehensive cycling guide uncovers scenic back roads for both touring and mountain bikes through the heart of the Southern Appalachians: from North Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to Southwest Virginia. Encompassing the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the region offers scenic and historic tours along valley floors, exhilarating ridgetop rides, and challenging treks through rugged mountains. Rogers describes road bike rides at Georgia's historic Chickamauga National Battlefield; high, wild vistas from the transmountain Cherohala Skyway; and a new greenway system spanning Maryville and Alcoa, Tennessee. Mountain bikers will love the classic tours on the Tsali and Bent Creek trails systems, as well as two new trail systems along Tennessee's Ocoee River. Also included are Virginia's popular Virginia Creeper and New River Trails. Routes range from the little known to the well traveled, from level road rides to challenging mountain trails. Each ride description will include mile-by-mile directions; a detailed map and mileage cue sheet; information on difficulty and terrain; and notes on the natural and historic features you'll encounter along the way.

Hikers in Kentucky will find a stunning array of natural rock arches, rushing rivers, spring wildflowers, and even a recently reintroduced herd of elk. Within the 670,000-acre Daniel Boone National Forest lie two wilderness areas, the Red River Gorge Geological Area, and a trail system highlighted by the 269-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Outside the national forest lie Cumberland Falls, centered around the mighty waterfall and its world famous moonbow, and Natural Bridge, one of the largest natural arches in the eastern US. An overview chart provides at-a-glance information on the 50 hikes, which feature something for hikers of every ability. Each hike is accompanied by a topographical map, information on difficulty, mileage, and rise, as well as information on the geology, wildlife, and ecosystems you'll encounter along the way.

This comprehensive guide is the essential companion to any traveler's journey into the verdant countryside of Kentucky. Take advantage of Hiram Rogers' robust experience when navigating Kentucky's rich natural attractions, from the Cumberland Gap through to the towering Black Mountain to the rockhouses and cascades of the Bark Camp Trail. Hikes are organized by distance, difficulty, and natural features-including waterfalls and arches-and paired with succinct but informative notes so you can choose the right trail for you and make the most of your journey. Take the knowledge of a proven hiking veteran with you as you explore all that Kentucky's nature has to offer. As with all the books in the 50 Hikes series, you'll find clear and concise directions, easy-to-follow maps, and expert tips for enjoying the most of what you want in a hike-whether it's stunning lake views, luminous moonrises, or sublime skyscapes framed by the crests of mountains.