Newfound Gap

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park must be one of the most underrated parks in the country. For a cyclist living in the butt crack of American you would think it would be a long drive to a 6000 foot ascent. It is only 8 hours from STL to Pigeon Forge, TN which sits at the base of the Smoky Mountains. The climb up to Newfound Gap from the base is not an easy one, and takes me about 4 miles to get into a good rhythm. It is a sharp climb through the foliage. A rider expects some discomfort in return for the reward that is conquering a mountain such as this. But, not always is a cyclists reward as well on the way up. The view is dynamic and undulating. It switches and penetrates the mountain with every bend. As the you reach the gap the road and mountain open up to a grand and powerful view.